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By Suzanne Day
Using the Quantitative Electroencephalograph (QEEG)
Neurofeedback training is one of the most amazing interventions addressing attention inefficiencies with children and adults. Many readers have probably heard about biofeedback as it has been around a long time. Biofeedback is a tool that allows the individual to receive feedback, through sight and/or sound, about what is happening in his/her body in order to better manage some reactions. Biofeedback uses heart rate, skin conduction, breathing, and muscle tension. Neurofeedback uses the observation of one’s own brain waves. Neurofeedback training allows the person to self-regulate the production of certain waves.
Brain waves and Neurofeedback
The EEG (electroencephalogram) is used to measure the electric changes produced by the pyramidal cells on the surface of the cortex. The recording presents the brain waves in patterns. The brain waves are measured in frequency (how many brain waves per second) and in amplitude (the electric potential or how high the wave is). Neurofeedback’s main emphasis is not the quality of the brain waves (as analysed by neurologists to detect seizures) but rather the proportion of certain brain waves in relation to other waves. It is called the QEEG (quantitative electroencephalogram).
Neurofeedback training particularly relating to attention difficulties is interested in the frequencies between 4 and 20 cycles per second or hertz. The theta waves are slower brain waves in the range of 4 to 7 hertz. They are associated with a tune-out mode. The waves between 7 and 11 are called the alpha waves. They present a resting, daydreaming mind set. The SMR brain waves (Sensory Motor Rhythm) refer to the waves in the 12 to 15 hertz range. They are associated with a calm but alert mental state. They allow the person to control their impulsivity while they give a feeling of quiet alertness. This specific frequency range was first identified by Barry Sterman who was working with cats. As he rewarded the cats to produce more SMR they were calm in their body but active in their brain, ready to jump on the mouse at the best moment. However, when he rewarded the cats to produce less SMR, the cats were twitchy and impulsive. The brain waves between 15 and 20 hertz are called beta. They are necessary for the focussed, analytic mind set necessary to solve problems and for listening to class instructions. We see more of these waves when a person is learning a new task requiring mental effort in comparison to doing a repetitive, already mastered learned task.
Neurofeedback Training and Attention Inefficiencies
 Attention inefficiencies can be observed in the brain wave patterns of an EEG. Different patterns are found in individuals with attention difficulties. The most common pattern presents as an excess in the production of theta (slow waves) in comparison to beta (faster waves). While doing schoolwork, a child with ADD will characteristically produce more slow waves. A child who does not have attention difficulty will produce faster brain waves as he focusses on the task. A child with hyperactivity may produce less SMR while presenting more theta in relation to the faster beta waves.
The Neurofeedback training aims at helping the person to self-regulate the production of certain brain waves for certain tasks. Each type of brain wave has its function. We need all of them. The goal of the neurofeedback is to gain flexibility to access the right ones for the right job. For example, a person who really wants to pass an exam will need to stay calm but alert (SMR), not tune-out (keeping control on the theta), nor daydreaming (with the alpha waves in check) while learning new material (accessing the beta waves). This balanced brain functioning allows for the individual to better access their real potential. Most individuals learn these skills through school. However, for different reasons, many people need help in order to achieve their real potential. They are often seen as low achievers. The teacher and parents know that the child is intelligent but the academic results are lower than expected. The employer recognizes that the person is capable but the work production is lower than expected.
Research supports Neurofeedback Training
 Different researches using computer technology has confirmed the pertinence of this new learning-therapeutic tool. Dr. Daniel G. Amen who wrote Healing ADD is using the SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography, a nuclear medicine study that evaluates brain flow and activity patterns. Dr. Amen explains: " In my experience with neurofeedback and ADD, many people are able to improve their reading skills and decrease their need for medication. Also, neurofeedback has helped to decrease impulsivity and aggressiveness. It is a powerful tool, because we are giving them more control over their own physiological processes." Research conducted by Joanne Lévesques, a neuropsychologist from Montreal using the MRI (magnetic resonance imagery) also confirms these findings. Dr. Joel Lubar, for the University of Tennesse, has found that the IQ scores rose from twelve to twenty points in children and adults after forty hours of neurofeedback training. The research of Dr. Linda Thompson, from Toronto has brought forth the same conclusions. It is considered that the success rate of neurofeedback is approximately 75% which is 3 out of 4.
Neurofeedback training is not a cure for all ADD. The professionals specializing with attention deficit disorder and the parents of these children know very well the intervention has to be multifaceted, including analysing what he/she eats, what entertainment he/she watches, sleep quality and quantity, self-esteem, etc. Contrary to medication neurofeedback is a learning tool which brings changes over time. Neurofeedback training constitues an excellent tool to learn self-regulation which can be applied to different tasks in order for the person to extend the use of his/her real potential. Neurofeedback training is offered by Suzanne Day who is certified by the BCIA (Biofeedback Certification Institute of America). Please contact us if you are interested. Do not hesitate to e-mail us.
Explanation of the three graphs
These graphs illustrate the distribution of the types of brain waves as well as the quantity produced. The horizontal axe refers to the frequency of the waves (3-7 hertz: Theta, 8-12 hertz: Alpha, 13-15hertz: SMR, 15-20 hertz: Beta. The vertical axe refers to the amplitude of the waves: low to high. The different profiles represented are the most frequent observed through a Quantitative EEG. These graphs suggest different types of attention inefficiencies.
Copyright 2005 Suzanne Day,Neuropsychophysiologist, Psychoeducational and Neurodevelopmental Consultant
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References
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ADD Book, Dr Sears and Dr Thompson
Healing ADD, Dr Daniel G. Amen
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