Question about neurofeedback
 

Hi
I've been doing CYGNET Neurofeedback (EEG Biofeedback - www.eeginfo.com) for almost 2 months now. I go once or twice a week. There are some days that I do it and I go home and a few hours later I feel in a very good mood and very energetic. There are other days I do it and I feel no difference at all. It does not affect my other PCS symptoms other than the mood and energy previously mentioned.

I guess I am having a hard time figuring out if it is doing anything for me. Should it have had more of an effect by now? Does anyone else have experience with this type of neurofeedback? Is there another type that is better?

Thank you.

There are many different types of neurofeedback. The one you are referring to is at this web site. http://www.eeginfo-europe.com/neurof...e/cygnetr.html
The link you provided went to the main page of eeginfo.com

I can not figure out how this one works. There are two basic types, volitional and non-volitional. In volitional, the subject tries to modify the brain wave forms with cognitive effort. In non-volitional, the system provides some sort of stimulus, either as a reward or as a 'pushed correction' with sound, light, electromagnetic pulse, electrical pulse, etc.

The web page shows a game interface but the description mentions the ability to change the reward frequency. So, I am confused.

Most neurofeedback systems can measure improvements by changes in waveform at rest. The goal is usually for the non-volitional system to retrain the brain so it maintains the desired waveform.

The volitional systems are focused on teaching the subject how to cognitively modify the wave forms. With enough practice, the subject learns to maintain the desired waveforms without effort.

If you are not sensing a benefit and the system is not indicating an improvement in waveforms, it would appear to not be making a difference. But, if you are willing to keep paying, they are probably willing to keep trying.

Thanks Mark. I will be sure to ask more information based on what you said. I cannot tell what type it is (volitional vs. non-volitional). All I do is stare at a scene on the computer screen - usually a beach or northern lights scene. It is not a game. I know that the administrator looks at my brain waves, and she tells me that when I am watching the screen, my waves go from "chaotic" to "calm".

Is that what you mean by "measuring the improvement by changes in waveforms"?

Is there a type of neurofeedback that is most effective for TBI that you know of?

Thank you.

That would be non-volitional neurotherapy since you are not doing anything to cause the change. Do you have ear phones on or does she say if she is making any inputs ?

It does not sound impressive to me. If it was benefiting you, the chaos would start to decrease. Does she say anything about whether the level of chaos is decreasing ?

It sounds more like she is using it as a relaxation device. That is not uncommon. In fact, they usually get FDA approval to only promote it as a relaxation device.

The usual goal is to teach you how to cause your brain to go into the calm mode without the device. Sounds like a 'guard your wallet' situation to me.

No, I do not have ear phones on when I am doing it, though it does play music through speakers. And no, she does not say she is making inputs. I will ask if the level of chaos has decreased.