HOW DOES NFB WORK?
Scalp electrodes detect the brain's EEG activity, the computer analyzes the EEG, the computer feedback display presents the information to the client and the client is then able to change their own brain activity.  The critical variables in this very effective process are what part of the brain is receiving intervention and what kinds of EEG activity are being changed.  Different regions of the brain control different functions and different kinds of EEG activity are associated with different kinds of problems.

IS NFB PAINFUL?
No.  NFB is a non-invasive therapy that uses only scalp electrodes and water soluble electrode gel.  The client receives only information about how their brain is functioning.  No electrical activity is transmitted to the client.

WHAT SYMPTOMS / DISORDERS DOES NFB EFFECTIVELY TREAT?
NFB has been effectively used to treat AD/HD for over 30 years.  In the last 20 years, NFB has been used to effectively treat dyslexia, PTSD, Asperger's/autism spectrum disorders, stroke, head injury, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, seizures, chronic pain and bipolar disorder.

IS NFB A CURE ALL?
No.  NFB simply normalizes the brain's functions.  Traditional therapy and education are then necessary for the client to learn to use their 'new' brain.

HOW MUCH NFB IS REQUIRED?
The brain does require a certain amount of 'practice' to change how it functions and the number of NFB treatment sessions is dependent upon the client's symptoms, age and sex.  However, NFB is considered to be a time-limited therapy that produces change in relatively short time frames.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
NFB has been used clinically for over 30 years, in hundreds of thousands of treatment sessions, by a very large number of practitioners worldwide-- without any incidents of a long-term adverse reaction.

DOES NFB CONFLICT WITH OTHER FORMS OF TREATMENT?
No.  NFB simply improves the brain's functioning.  Other therapies, including medication, are frequently more effective when used in conjunction with NFB.

IS NFB "SCIENTIFICALLY VALID"?
The scientific and medical literature for NFB is very extensive and more than 30 years old.  In spite of demonstrating considerable efficacy, NFB is still considered to be controversial by some providers.  Dr. Frank H. Duffy, MD, Neurologist, Editor of Clinical Encephalography, has summarized the controversy: "In my opinion, if any medication had demonstrated such a wide spectrum of efficacy, it would be universally accepted and widely used" (Clinical Encephalography, 2000, 31(1), p. v).

IS NFB EXPENSIVE AND DOES MEDICAL INSURANCE COVER IT?
NFB is a very cost-effective treatment and extraordinarily so when the life-time benefits are considered for such problems as AD/HD, PTSD, dyslexia, head injury, stroke, Asperger's/autism spectrum disorder and mood disorders.  Medical Insurance providers are highly variable in their coverage of NFB.  Your GMH provider and the GMH office managers can help you assess your insurance coverage for NFB.

GMH has made NFB affordable for almost anyone who wishes to receive this form of treatment.

RESOURCES:
http://aboutneurofeedback.com/
http://www.eegspectrum.com/

For further information, or to make an appointment, please contact:

• For adults: 919-990-1727
• For children: 919-406-6523