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Frequently Asked Questions about Neurofeedback

Updated: Dec 10, 2023




What is Neurofeedback?


Neurofeedback is a technology modailty that is used to train your brain. By using neurofeedback, your brain learns to naturally function more efficiently and relieve symptoms that are affecting your daily living. Starting with a qEEG brain map, and observing your brain function in real-time, the functions that need attention are pinpointed. Through the neurofeedback software, your brain is rewarded when your brain waves change into more effective patterns. Over some time, your brain naturally learns to function more appropriately. This is the key to neurofeedback, and it is the most important becasue onve your brain learns to function more effectively, your brain learns to function without any medication. Neurofeedback has been shown to be effective with ADD/ADHD, learningt disabilities, anxiety, panick attacks, depression, insomnia, restless legs, autism, aspergers, OCD, head injuries and concussions, headaches/migraines, substance abuse and alcholism, PTSD, chronic pain and uncontrolled epilepsy.


 

Can Neurofeedback cause negative effects?


Sometimes miled side effects can occur with neurofeedback training. On occasion a patient might feels some fatigue, anxious, a mild headache, difficulty sleeping, or just being irritable. These mild side efects mainly happen if a session is too long, and usually the symptoms pass in a short time after the training session. If the side effects are experienced, training protocols can be altered, which usually eliminated the side effects quickly. Side effects are usually worse when training is done by a practitioner not board certified, and not accompanied by a qEEG brain map. Please always look for the credentials of a practitioner before being victim to inappropriate neurofeedback training.


 

What is the cost of a Neurofeedback Session?


The cost for the initial intake history and neurofeedback consultation is $200. The quantitative qEEG brain map is $550, and neurofeedback sessions are $110 each. Macy does not participate with any insurance at this time for neurofeedback, but can provide forms showing charges are paid for you to submit to your insurance or flexible spending health savings account to obtain reimbursement. We accept cash or checks, and credit cards with a 3% surcharge.


 

How frequently are Neurofeedback Sessions done?


Neurofeedback should be done at least once a week, and preferably twice weekly. If you are traveling from a long distance for treatment, neurofeedback might be able to be accomodated twice in one day.


 

How Successful is Neurofeedback treatment?


Reseqarch shows a very high success rate, 70-80% of the time significant improvements occur in symptoms and the high probability for medication elimination.

 

How many sessions are required with Neurofeedback?


Neurofeedback for ADD/ADHD and learning disabilities typically require 30-40 sessions, with anxiety and insomnia requiring around 20 sessions. Concussions and brain injuries could require 25-50 depending on the severity, and depression requires around 30 sessions, and OCD 30-50 depending on the symptom relief. Each area is specific to the individual person, so there is a range, these numbers will give you a good idea of what to expect.


 

Are maintenance sessions required?


Maintenance sessions are not typically necessary of the changes have been reinforced. If there has been a change in brain function such as drug abuse or head injury, there would be an exception to needed maintenance.


 

What qualifications are important in a neurofeedback provider?


It is important that the provider is a health care provider who is licensed for independent practice. This means that the person conducting the neurofeedback is the person who has done the training and the one holding the board certification. Secondly, is the person certified by the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance, which is the only independent, legitimately recognized certification body. Third, does the provider do a full 19 channel quantitative EEG brain map so that training can be individualized based on this scientifically objective data, rather than conducting training based on guesswork? If your provider does not offer you a qEEG brain map, this is cause for alarm and could provide more harm than help.


If you have any other questions not discussed here, please message me and I will be happy to get back to you or get an initial consultation scheduled!


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