Lens Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is used for two purposes: brain enhancement and therapy. Enhancement, commonly called Peak Performance, is used by business executives, students, athletes and others to optimize cognition and coordination to super-typical levels. Decision-making, multi-tasking, test-taking, professional and amateur sports and physical arts performance, stage performance and interpersonal relationships are skills addressed in peak performance training. The second area is therapeutic. Neurofeedback corrects symptoms caused by brain disregulation following brain injury from physical, chemical or emotional trauma. The brain cells (neurons), lose their ability to fire and/or communicate properly with each other. They may fire too rapidly causing symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, anger, fear, over-sensitivity to pain and more, or too slowly as in depression, ADD/ADHD, poor focus/concentration, behavior disorders, irritability, autism, brain injury, stroke, memory loss, PTSD, balance, age-related cognitive decline, substance abuse/alcoholism, learning disorders/dyslexia, chemo-brain, speech and large and fine motor problems.

Historically, neurofeedback dates back to 1875 when Dr. Richard Caton discovered electrical activity in the brains of animals. Further investigation led to subsequent discoveries. By the 1960s it was proved that it was possible “to retrain or learn different brain wave patterns.” Thompson and Thompson, The Neurofeedback Book. Pub. 2003. AAPB, p. xii.

Healthy brain cells self-regulate. They move gracefully from one brainwave pattern (aka waveform or frequency). When the brain is injured some cells become stuck in a particular brain wave pattern and lose their flexibility and ability to self-regulate. A state of dysregulation occurs and various symptoms develop as described above in the sub-topic, “What is Neurofeedback used for?”. Because brain cells are plastic and changeable, they can be reconditioned and trained to be flexible and self-regulating. They learn to change easily from one frequency to another; for example, from a slow frequency (theta) to a fast frequency (beta) without conscious effort. The day-dreaming student becomes alert and “on task” quickly and stays focused. The “explosive individual” can slow down, is not easily aroused to anger and will choose appropriate behavior. The brain is “rebooted” by the treatment and able to function properly again. Treatment is based on the symptoms of each individual and map(s) showing how his/her brain functions. Two types of maps are used. One is the LENS map, which is part of the regular treatment protocol. The other is a qEEG (Quantitative EEG). The decision as to whether to use a qEEG is made after evaluating the symptoms on the first visit.

A LENS map records the person’s brain wave patterns or frequencies and power at which the cells fire at 21 sites on the scalp. This is shown in a bar graph and helps determine treatment protocols. Those areas that demonstrate brain waves that are too slow, too fast or too weak are correlated with the symptoms and a protocol is established. A qEEG records brain wave patterns and compares them to a database of normal individuals. Multiple pictographs show how the person deviates from the norm. It is a very scientific method to record brain function at 21 sites on the head and thus within the brain. It is accepted in court to prove brain injury in med-legal cases.

Brain wave patterns can be called waveforms or frequencies. They occur at different frequencies (cycles /second or Hertz), some fast, some slow. The main frequency bands are called beta, alpha, theta and delta. BETA Brainwaves or Frequency Bands Small, faster brainwaves. Low beta: 13-18 cycles/sec. or hertz. Necessary for mental/intellectual activity, good memory, scholastic, athletic and job performance excellence. High beta: 18-36 cycles/sec. Can create symptoms of Hyper-arousal or anxiety. ALPHA Brainwaves or Frequency Bands Slower and larger brainwaves. 8-12 cycles/sec. Relaxation and idling state. Brain is getting ready to work or slow further toward sleep. THETA Brainwaves or Frequency Bands Slower and larger brainwaves 4-8 cycles/sec. Day-dream, spacey, deep hypnotic or meditative state. Often seen in ADD/ADHD, learning problems, brain injury, poor mental function, a wandering mind, difficulty focusing, concentrating, poor memory and other symptoms.. DELTA Brainwaves or Frequency Bands Slower and larger brainwaves 1-4 cycles/sec. Associated with sleep.Foggy brain if seen in the awake state. “When an excessive amount of slow waves are present in the executive {frontal) parts of the brain, it becomes difficult to control attention, behavior and/or emotions…..Such persons generally have problems with concentration, memory, controlling their impulses and moods or with hyperactivity. They can’t focus very well, are distractible and exhibit diminished intellectual efficiency.” Hammond, D. Corydon, PhD, What is Neurofeedback? Journal of Neurotherapy. Vol 10(4)2006, p. 26.

Very small, flat sensors coated with water-soluble paste are placed on specific sites on the head and earlobes. The sensors measure the electrical patterns coming from the brain, similar to a physician listening to the heart from the surface of the skin. Micro-stimulation radio waves stimulate the brain waves that are “stuck” in the too fast or too slow patterns. Brain cells are changeable and can be reconditioned and retrained to be flexible and self-regulating. They learn to change easily from one frequency waveform to another; for example, they can change easily from a slow waveform (theta) to a fast waveform (beta). The day-dreaming student can become alert quickly and stay alert and focused or the “explosive individual” can slow down, control his anger and choose appropriate behavior. The brain is “rebooted” by the treatment and is able to function properly again.

Nothing. The stimulation is the equivalent of a watch battery for a fraction of a second. It is less than your cell or cordless phone, (1/300th of a cell phone).

All ages; it is a safe and passive form of treatment. The very young who cannot sit still for long or understand how to do anything to the elderly or persons with symptoms of stroke or cognitive decline, who also cannot sit still for long or take instruction, have been treated successfully. It is also used on horses, dogs and cats.

That depends on the symptoms, how long they have been there, whether they are acquired (a brain injury) or symptoms from an inherited or familial type of condition, the person’s nutrition (what you eat nourishes or can harm your brain) and structure (an aligned spine supports and creates a healthy brain and nervous system). The average is 20 to 40 treatments. Some symptoms as from a newly acquired brain injury such as concussion will probably resolve sooner – unless there are other underlying, pre-existing issues. Some symptoms, as from ADD, will take longer (perhaps up to 60 treatments) to resolve and stabilize. Improvement should be seen within a few treatments; however, it takes time for the brain cells to learn new patterns and stabilize so the symptoms do not reoccur unless there is a new trauma. Twice weekly treatments speed improvement and resolution. Once weekly is necessary in order to train the neurons. It’s the same as training for any sport or other activity. The cells have to learn and remember how to function. This requires regular attention until they automatically fire properly. LENS treatment has been found to be from 30% to 50% faster than traditional neurofeedback in resolving symptoms.

LENS is very safe. After 15 years and the treatment of over 75,000 people, no one has reported any form of permanent discomfort. Feelings of being “tired or wired” may occur for a few hours. This actually is a good indication of the brain making the changes necessary for it to function properly. Occasionally memories of old issues come up as the cells are reactivated. In the average person the individual is now better able to work through the issue instead of suppressing them, which is what caused the brain waves to stick in a slow down or fast pattern. If the issue is from severe physical or emotional trauma, appropriate psychological intervention is employed with a qualified counselor. As stated above, the electro-magnetic signal is much less than the signal from your cell or cordless phone, radio, TV or microwave transmission towers. It is gentle, yet powerful in its ability to resolve myriad symptoms. In two words: It Works!

In most cases, yes. In others, such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and age-related dementia and autism, limited but continued care after the major work is done is advisable.

Normally, medications will be reduced or eliminated. It is important for the patient to check regularly with his/her physician to properly reduce and/or eliminate medications. If possible, one can try neurofeedback for many symptoms before starting medications, particularly for ADD/ADHD symptoms. .

ADD/ADHD, Impulsivity Asperger’s Learning Disabilities Dyslexia Autism Brain and Head Injuries, Concussion, Stroke, Whiplash ChemoBrain, Mental Fogginess Injury from medications, anesthesia Neurological Trauma Emotional Trauma, PTSD Depression Anxiety, OCD Panic and Sleep Disorders Mood Shifts Fatigue Focus/Concentration Poor Decision-making Mental Chatter Memory Cognitive Decline associated with Aging/Dementia Fibromyalgia/Post Polio Syndrome Balance/Coordination/Fine Motor such as Handwriting Speech/Stuttering Migraine Headaches Addictions including Alcoholism/Substance Abuse Peak Performance for Professionals, Students, Executives, Athletes, Performers

LENS Neurofeedback training has changed the lives of 75,000 patients over 15 years, many of whom had given up hope of ever functioning normally again. It is a highly successful therapy for the symptoms listed above, as well as an excellent, easy and fast way to achieve Peak Performance. The length of time from the time of a trauma or noticed beginning of symptoms does not matter. (Often symptoms do NOT show up until several years – 5 or more – after the trauma occurred.) This therapy works. Once the brain is restored to normal rhythmic patterns, people regain quality of life and sense of well-being. In most cases, the effect is permanent and medications are either eliminated or at least greatly reduced, thus reducing both the expense of the medications and their side effects. The only thing asked of the patient is commitment to the program. With LENS, improvement is usually seen quickly. However, if one stops before proper brainwaves have stabilized, the effect will not be permanent. Brain cells, just like muscle cells, have to be trained long enough that the self-regulation is automatic. Cell memory kicks in.