Neurofeedback Glossary
Learn about the unique terms used in Neurofeedback
Alpha Waves
Alpha can also be heightened in response to pain. Individuals who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder experience Alpha Attenuation, this occurs when the brain tries to downshift into a more relaxed state but instead it speeds up.
Beta Waves
Low Beta waves (12-15 Hz) – Low Beta waves are also known as sensorimotor rhythms (SMR). They are associated with a relaxed and focused state. Decreased low beta can reflect lack of focused attention.
Mid-range Beta waves (15-24 Hz) – Mid-range Beta waves are associated with mental activity and alertness, thinking, and awareness of self and surroundings. Decreased levels are associated with attention deficits, stress disorders, chronic pain, depression, mood disorders, psychotic states, substance abuse, panic, anxiety, and fear.
High Beta waves ( 25-30 Hz) – High beta waves are associated with overall activation of mind and body function. They can induce alertness but may also produce agitation. They are often elevated in stress related disorders, some mood disorders, panic, anxiety, fear and chronic pain.
Delta Waves
When brain cells are resting, they are restoring their supply of neurotransmitters, repairing and strengthening pathways of memory and learning. Delta waves are the predominant waves in deep sleep.
Abnormal delta waves are seen in brain injury, coma and seizures as well as many other conditions. Too much delta can indicate a brain that is ‘asleep’.
High Beta waves ( 25-30 Hz) – High beta waves are associated with overall activation of mind and body function. They can induce alertness but may also produce agitation. They are often elevated in stress related disorders, some mood disorders, panic, anxiety, fear and chronic pain.
Theta Waves
Theta is observed in anxiety, behavioral activation and behavioral inhibition. When the theta rhythm appears to function normally it mediates and/or promotes adaptive, complex behaviors such as learning and memory.
Excessive theta can also be the hallmark of attention and processing difficulties. Theta waves are also associated with pain response. Individuals who have too much theta in the front of their brains might have problems with staying focused and completing tasks.
Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is also called EEG-Biofeedback as it deals with giving the subject feedback based on the Electroencephalogram.
Neurofeedback has been in use since the 1960s. It has been applied to conditions as varied as seizure, stroke and autism. It is the only non-invasive passive technique for modifying the central nervous system.
Training Protocol
The protocol acts as a set of directions for the computer to produce individualized neurofeedback training.
QEEG
The energy is measured in microvolts at the scalp surface and amplified to a computer to allow their brainwaves to be interpreted.
The individual’s brain is then compared to a normative database of brains of individuals that are the same age and sex. This method allows the clinician to see which areas of the brain are weak and which areas are strong.
Qeeg is also interchangeable with the terms Brainmap and BEAM (Brain Electrical Analysis and Mapping).
LoRETA
LoRETA can determine areas of connectivity in the brain and allow us to determine how a brain is operating on the functional level.
Absolute Power
Coherence
This tends to result in poor day-to-day performance. Deficient coherence indicates a brain unable to efficiently connect cortical areas to perform specific tasks.
Learning Disabilities may show either (or both) excessive or deficient coherence characteristics.
Neuroplasticity
Common Neurological Disorders
Meet The Neurofeedback Experts
Featured Neurofeedback Articles
Call Us
Hours
M-F: 7am - 5pm EST
S-S: Closed