Imagine sitting in a chair with a big computer screen facing you as the doctor measures your head. After the doctor measures the head then some sort of glue is stuck to sensors then to your head. The doctor ask what game do you want to play? The games last about 45 minutes. Choose from pictures, boat race or the maze? As the game is played you will hear beep beep beep. It sounds like the beeps you hear in a hospital.
The picture game displays a hidden picture on the screen with blocks covering the a big picture, the blocks are taken away one by one either random or in order to display the hidden picture. Most doctors will have several photo galleries of nature, scenery or kid friendly images. You must let your mind go and relax either focusing on the blocks moving or the picture being displayed. The game will stop if you are not concentrating on the blocks.
What color boat do you want for the boat race, blue or green? There are two other boats in the game racing your boat. You focus on the boat and as the boat glides through the water you hear the waves splashing alongside of the boat. The boat race has you jump up ramps with brief nitrogen effects to make the boat go faster. The boat will stop or not give the nitrogen effect if you are not watching the race while relaxing your mind.
Have you ever played Pac Man with your mind? This is the Pac Man maze without the enemies, just a maze. Watch as your Pac Man goes through the maze eating the little dots one by one. After all the dots are eaten a new maze will appear. Pac man will stop eating the dots if your brain goes off track.
It’s not a scientific experiment, it’s neurofeedback (EEG Biofeedback). Do you ever think about a million things at once? Is your mind always wondering? Do you get anxious and have a hard time controlling your anxiety? Can you stay focused? If you have trouble with any of the above then you may want to look into neurofeedback. The treatment is usually not covered by insurance but some carriers do cover a portion of the cost although rare.
The types of people who go to neurofeedback suffer from Depression, Bi-Polar,Chronic Fatigue Disorder, Epilepsy, Migraines, Sleep Disorders, Addiction, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder and Autism. In a study conducted the benefits of those with autism participating in neurofeedback showed a 40 percent reduction in autistic symptoms, enhancement of function between the brain and behavior, and reduction of hyperconnectivity.
The thought is to retrain the electrical impulses of the brain. The brain is resilient and wants to learn new ideas and is able to be retrained with effort on your part. Controlling your brain waves gives you the ability to learn new things, concentrate and become less anxious. Depending on what you want to accomplish you may go weekly, monthly or under circumstances occasionally.
By Christina Garabedian
***If you are looking for neurofeedback opportunities for Chicagoland area, please visit www.nwbiofeedback.org to schedule your free consultation today ***