BrainCore Therapy provides a unique and drugless approach to addressing brainwave dysregulation that may be associated with the symptoms of many neurologically based conditions.

Published scientific research has demonstrated the efficacy of neurofeedback to address symptoms of chronic and often debilitating health challenges such as:

  • ADHD
  • Insomnia
  • Panic Attacks
  • Memory Loss
  • Autism
  • Asperger’s Syndrome
  • Post Stroke
  • PTSD
  • Headaches
  • Migraines
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Learning Disorders
  • OCD

BrainCore Therapy is also known as qEEG Biofeedback.

The theory of neurofeedback is based on a simple concept – when you have information on what your brainwaves are doing, your brain can use that information to change how it works.

Neurofeedback is guided exercise for the brain. It is actually a learning modality designed to retrain dysregulated brainwave patterns. By offering neurofeedback at Balance Atlanta, our goal is to help transform an unhealthy, dysregulated brainwave pattern into a normal, healthy, organized pattern. By doing this, the brain may become more stable and able to operate optimally and efficiently.

Neurofeedback is completely noninvasive and is considered safe by the Food and Drug Administration. In fact, the FDA recognizes that neurofeedback has never produced a serious side effect since it was first developed over forty years ago.

A healthy, regulated brain is able to shift easily between arousal states as the demands arise.

  • SLOW PROCESSING
    The brain produces consistently higher magnitudes of delta and theta waves when it is in a slow processing state, such as when it is relaxed or in deep sleep. Delta represents the slowest processing speed – Delta frequency is 1-4Hz. Theta also represents a slow wave form but it is not as slow as delta – Theta frequency is 4-7Hz Delta waves are produced consistently during deep dreamless sleep Theta waves are produced consistently during deep relaxation or a twilight state. Theta is also associated with memory recall and creativity.
  • IDLE PROCESSING
    The brain produces consistently higher magnitudes of alpha when the brain is in an idle state. This is why Alpha is sometimes referred to as the idle brain wave. Alpha represents a slightly faster processing speed (8-12Hz) and is associated with quiet wakefulness or a state of meditation. When the brain is healthy and well-regulated, it produces more alpha waves on the right than on the left – This is referred to as the Normal Asymmetry of Alpha.
  • FAST PROCESSING
    The brain produces consistently higher magnitudes of Beta when the brain is externally focused, alert, and involved in critical reasoning, thought, and concentration. Beta represents the fastest processing speed (12-30Hz). When the brain is healthy and well-regulated, it produces more beta waves on the left than on the right – This is referred to as the Normal Asymmetry of Beta.

Causes of Brain Wave Dysregulation

Dysregulation is initiated by any factor that causes a prolonged stress response within the body.

  • Any Perceived Threat
  • Drugs / Toxins / Vaccines
  • Lack of Sunlight (Vitamin D)
  • Emotional or Physical Trauma
  • Emotional or Physical Stress
  • Lack of Exercise
  • Spinal Subluxation
  • Non-restorative Sleep
  • Poor Quality Sleep

Studies have shown brain wave dysregulation to be associated with the following symptoms:

  • DELTA/THETA DYSREGULATION 
    Cognitive Impairment
    Impulsivity
    Hyperactivity
    Focus and Attention Issues
    ADHD
    Socially Inappropriate
    Easily distracted
    Excessive Speech
    Disorganized
    Hyper-emotional
    Traumatic Brain Injury
    Dementia
    Learning Disorders
    Autism / Asperger’s
  • ALPHA DYSREGULATION 
    Depression
    Victim Mentality
    Excessive Self Concern
    Passive Aggressive
    Irritability
    Avoidance Behavior
    Rumination
    Anger
    Self-Deprecation
    Agitation
    Fibromyalgia
    Withdrawal Behavior
  • BETA DYSREGULATION
    Anxiety
    OCD
    Migraine
    Tension Headaches
    Insomnia
    Obsessive Thinking
    Excessive Rationalization
    Poor Emotional Self Awareness
    Panic Attacks
    Worry
    Chronic Pain
    Hyper-vigilant
    Dislike Change
    Restless

Scientific research has demonstrated that for any given circumstance, there is an accepted normal pattern of brainwave activity.

A healthy, balanced, and properly regulated nervous system will produce the appropriate brain waves at the appropriate levels and at the appropriate times for any given situation. However, when the nervous system becomes tense and unbalanced as a result of subluxation, poor nutrition, stress, food sensitivities, drugs, or trauma, the brainwave patterns become dysregulated, resulting in many different neurological symptoms and conditions.

For example, if the brain produces high magnitudes of delta or theta, the person will likely experience attention and focus issues such as those associated with ADHD, cognitive decline, learning disorders, or symptoms related to concussions and stroke.

If the person produces higher than normal magnitudes of alpha, they will likely experience symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, such as pain, irritability, or depression.

If the brain produces higher than average magnitudes of beta waves, the person will likely experience symptoms associated with generalized anxiety, panic attacks, migraine/tension headaches, chronic pain, or insomnia. These are just some of the many examples of brainwave dysregulation that can be addressed with BrainCore Therapy.

The neurofeedback evaluation procedure

All neurofeedback begins with a comprehensive assessment before training sessions begin. 

Next, the patient schedules an office visit for the quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG), a high-tech computer-based tool used by neurologists and psychologists for over 40 years. The qEEG objectively and scientifically evaluates a person’s brainwave patterns. The initial diagnostic procedure consists of placing a snug cap on the head of the client. Embedded within the cap are 12 small sensors that are designed to measure and record electrical activity (or brainwaves) coming from the brain. It is important to note that these sensors do not put any electrical current into the brain – they simply record signals coming from the brain.

Once the qEEG has been performed, Dr. Caroline will analyze the results. The patient and his or her family will then be set up for an appointment to discuss the findings and treatment options. Please remember that BrainCore Therapy does not treat or cure the above-mentioned conditions. Rather, the goal is to help the brainwave patterns normalize through specialized training.

The qEEG report

The brainwave data recorded with the qEEG is statistically compared to a sophisticated and large normative database, and a 12-page report is generated. This assessment procedure allows the doctor to determine in a scientifically objective manner whether a client’s brainwave patterns are different than normal. The qEEG assessment provides the doctor with the neurofeedback training protocols that will be used during training sessions. These protocols are designed to retrain the brainwave patterns towards a more optimal and regulated state. The intention of neurofeedback is training the brainwave patterns to normalize, thereby the brain is often better able to operate efficiently.

Neurofeedback training sessions

Individuals are connected to a computer using wires and sensors, allowing BrainCore technology to record brainwave activity.

These sensors are non-invasive. They are attached at two specific points on the patient’s head using a water-soluble paste. The sensors simply record the brainwaves in the form of hz coming from the brain. Information about these brainwaves is displayed on the doctor’s monitor.

The software automatically detects when the brainwaves are properly ordered and feeds that information back to the patient. The feedback appears in the form of a movie or TV show that signals to the patient that the brainwaves are becoming more ordered. The movie will get brighter as the brainwaves normalize and become darker when they become dysregulated. 

The brain’s natural desire to watch the movie clearly drives the neurological circuits that normalize brainwaves and allow the picture to be viewed with the correct brightness and volume. The more those circuits are driven and used, the more neuroplastic changes occur. Simply put, the more you practice something, the better you get at it. The patient learns how to use those circuits during the demands of everyday life.

Published Research

For the past 40 years, neurofeedback has been studied in research labs at prominent universities worldwide. In fact, Dr. Frank Duffy, a professor and pediatric neurologist at Harvard Medical School, stated, “Neurofeedback should play a major therapeutic role in many difficult areas. In my opinion, if any medication had demonstrated such a wide spectrum of efficacy, it would have been universally accepted and widely used.” Neurofeedback has been rated as Level One Best Support for ADHD by the American Association of Pediatrics. It is widely used by Olympic and professional athletes to enhance their sports performance. Neurofeedback has been used as an essential tool by the US military in the treatment of PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.

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