Traditionally, individuals who have experienced a stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI) more than two years ago have had limited formal rehabilitation options available to them. Additionally, minimal progress was expected beyond the initial window following such injuries.
However, neurofeedback therapy offers hope for significant improvements beyond this timeframe. It has emerged as a promising modality for addressing the brain’s ability to repair itself, even years after experiencing a stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Dysregulated brainwaves are closely linked to both stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Both conditions can result in disrupted brainwave patterns due to damage to the brain’s structure and function.
After a stroke or TBI, individuals may experience abnormal brainwave activity, such as increased theta or delta waves and reduced alpha or beta waves. These dysregulated brainwave patterns can contribute to a range of cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments commonly observed in stroke and TBI survivors.
BrainCore Therapy neurofeedback training at Balance Atlanta seeks to reorganize and enhance neural circuits involved in motor function, speech, cognition, and other essential functions. This individualized approach, guided by qEEG brain mapping, holds promise for facilitating recovery and restoring lost tasks in individuals with stroke or TBI, offering new possibilities for rehabilitation and improved quality of life.
Neurofeedback therapy holds promise in addressing symptoms associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) by targeting the underlying brain mechanisms that regulate these issues. In the context of stroke and TBI recovery, neurofeedback training can be particularly beneficial for improving speech-related impairments.
Some familiar repercussions of stroke and TBI that can be helped are:
By focusing on the specific brain regions involved in speech production and comprehension, neurofeedback aims to strengthen and enhance these areas, potentially facilitating the rehabilitation of damaged speech circuits. Dr. Caroline’s approach using BrainCore Therapy Neurofeedback goes beyond mere compensation for dysfunction, offering the possibility of genuine improvement and recovery in individuals recovering from stroke and TBI.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a blow, bump, or damage to the brain, or a jolt to the head.
Concussions are considered mild TBIs, while severe cases can cause long-term disability. Symptoms
may include headaches, memory loss, mood changes, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Even mild
TBIs can disrupt brainwave patterns, making it harder for the brain to regulate itself. BrainCore
neurofeedback supports recovery by helping retrain brain activity, allowing the brain to function more
smoothly over time.
TBIs often disrupt standard brainwave patterns. For example, there may be excessively slow-wave
activity (delta or theta) in areas that should be more alert, or underactive beta waves that reduce focus
and memory. These imbalances interfere with concentration, mood, and sleep. BrainCore
neurofeedback uses EEG mapping to identify these irregularities. Through training sessions, the brain
receives feedback that encourages healthier rhythms, helping to restore balance and support recovery
after head trauma.
BrainCore neurofeedback helps the brain “practice” producing healthier rhythms through real-time
feedback. Over repeated sessions, the brain learns to regulate itself more effectively. This can lead to
improvements in memory, concentration, sleep, mood, and overall energy. While neurofeedback does
not heal the physical injury itself, it supports the brain’s ability to adapt and recover, enhancing quality
of life for people with both mild and long-term brain injuries.
BrainCore neurofeedback is non-invasive, drug-free, and safe for people recovering from TBI. Sensors
placed on the scalp only record brain activity — nothing is sent into the brain. Sessions are gentle and
comfortable, using videos or games to provide feedback. Some people may feel temporarily tired as the
brain adapts, but side effects are rare. Because it relies on the brain’s natural capacity to learn,
neurofeedback offers a safe way to support recovery.
BrainCore neurofeedback does not “cure” TBI, but it may help improve related symptoms. Many people
notice better focus, improved sleep, reduced headaches, and more stable moods. Some report less
brain fog, enhanced memory, and greater stress tolerance. By regulating brainwave activity,
neurofeedback supports the nervous system’s recovery process, making it easier to manage daily
activities and restore independence over time. Results vary, but many patients experience meaningful
improvements in quality of life.
The number of sessions depends on the severity of the injury and the individual’s goals. Many people
begin noticing improvements within 10–15 sessions, while lasting change typically requires 20–40
sessions. Neurofeedback is a learning process, so consistency is essential. Each session builds on the
last, helping the brain gradually adopt healthier rhythms. Some individuals may benefit from ongoing
maintenance sessions, particularly if symptoms recur during periods of stress or fatigue.
Small sensors are placed on the scalp to measure brainwave activity. The person then watches a video
or plays a game that responds in real time to their brain patterns. When the brain produces healthier
rhythms, the screen rewards that activity. This reinforcement teaches the brain to self-correct. Sessions
are painless, last 30–45 minutes, and are designed to be comfortable. Over time, training strengthens
the brain’s ability to regulate itself and manage symptoms more effectively.
Many people with TBI experience mood swings, irritability, or depression due to disrupted brainwave
patterns. BrainCore neurofeedback helps restore balance by reducing overactive stress-related
rhythms and strengthening those linked to calmness and stability. As regulation improves, individuals
often notice greater emotional resilience, decreased irritability, and a steadier mood. This not only
improves quality of life but also helps with relationships, recovery, and the ability to return to daily
responsibilities.
BrainCore neurofeedback does not replace medical care, physical therapy, or rehabilitation after a brain
injury. Instead, it complements these treatments by addressing the brainwave imbalances that may
persist after the injury. By supporting self-regulation and cognitive function, neurofeedback can
enhance recovery and help other therapies work more effectively. The best approach combines medical
treatment with supportive tools, such as BrainCore, for a more comprehensive recovery plan.
Because neurofeedback works through neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new
pathways — results are often long-lasting. Once the brain learns healthier rhythms, it tends to maintain
them naturally. Some people may require occasional tune-up sessions, especially if symptoms flare up
during periods of stress or illness. Many individuals report sustained improvements in sleep, mood,
focus, and memory, reflecting the brain’s remarkable capacity to adapt and recover after injury.