Why does this training procedure work? Neurofeedback helps people improve their health and performance by using signals from their own bodies. Just as the muscles of your body can be trained, so can your brain. The brain is capable of learning to improve its own performance when given cues about what to change. Gradually the brain responds to the cues and the learning of a new brain wave pattern emerges. By making information available to the brain about how it is functioning, and asking it to make adjustments, you teach it to do so.

When the brain does a good job of regulating itself, the brain waves (EEG) show a particular pattern. This pattern is closer to what is observed in individuals whose brains operate efficiently. Neurofeedback training challenges the person to maintain this "high-performance" state, staying more alert, attentive and calm. The process can be compared to any other coaching or training in that the brain learns to access useful brain states and to respond to momentary demands without becoming exhausted. Neurofeedback gets the brain in shape, so the brain becomes more resilient and flexible.

How is it done? An initial interview is done to obtain a description of symptoms, and goals. Usually, a brain map or quantitative EEG is performed. By measuring electrical activity at 19 locations on the scalp, adjustments in the training protocol can be made to select the best frequencies and sites for neurofeedback. Each training session lasts about 40 minutes, and is conducted from one to five times per week. Some improvement is generally seen within ten sessions. Once training is in place, the benefit appears to be permanent in most cases.

Neurofeedback training is a painless, non-invasive procedure. One or more sensors are placed on the scalp, and one to each ear. The brain waves are monitored by means of an amplifier and a computer-based instrument that processes the signal and provides the proper feedback. This is displayed to the trainee by means of a video game or other video display, along with audio signals. The trainee is asked to make the video game go with his or her brain. As activity in a desirable frequency band increases, the video game moves faster, or some other reward is given. As activity in an undesired band increases, the video game is inhibited. Gradually, the brain responds to the cues that it is being given, and a "learning" of new brain wave patterns takes place. The new pattern is one that is closer to what is observed in individuals with normal brain functioning.