INITIAL CONSULTATION

During your consultation we will discuss the process of what takes place at each and every visit you or your loved one will experience.  The nature of the visit is mainly to answer any questions about Brainmapping, Neurofeedback and Neurotransmitter Testing; how it works, what to expect and the associated costs.Consults usually take less than an hour and we will schedule you for the initial Brainmap appointment at the end of the consult if you choose to begin.  

BRAINMAPPING

The Brainmapping appointment will involve placing a “swim cap” with delicate sensors that listen to brainwaves over the head.  In order for the sensor to make contact with the scalp we have to insert a gel into the cap using a preloaded syringe. The gel is messy and will require to be washed out of the hair at the end of the Brainmapping session.  The total recording time will vary from 3-6 minutes for an “eyes open” and an “eyes closed” recording each.  For the eyes closed recording we will place soft cotton pads over the eyes to eliminate any eye blinking.   The entire appointment can take up to 1 (one) hour but can typically be completed in a shorter period of time.  You will receive a Brainmapping Preparation sheet by email to help you get ready for the recording. The report of findings (ROF) is scheduled that same day.

NEUROTRANSMITTER TESTING

Sanesco neurotransmitter testing allows us to get a baseline look at multiple neurotransmitters that are essential for healthy brain function.  The tests are non-invasive and can be done at home through either saliva or urine collection kits. The brain is electro-chemical so through Brainmapping we can see the electrical impulses and with neurotransmitter testing we can FULLY assess the brain.  These tests are critical because they provide us with the supplementation protocols that can balance neurotransmitter levels while we do the Newrologix Neurofeedback training.

REPORT OF FINDINGS (ROF)

During the ROF we will discuss the findings from the Brainmap recording.  This appointment will answer a lot of questions about why the brain is processing the information we receive the way that it does.  The report will outline the power and distribution of the brainwaves in each of the 19 areas we mapped during the recording as well as other analytics we need to design a protocol for the Neurofeedback training.  We will discuss the process of Neurofeedback and what to expect when you come for the first session.  The ROF appointment will take about 1 (one) hour.  If you choose to proceed, we will schedule you for your first Newrologix Neurofeedback session at the end of the ROF.

NEWROLOGIX NEUROFEEDBACK

Neurofeedback appointments consist of watching a chosen movie from a DVD of your liking.  We have an extensive library but you are more than welcome to bring an age appropriate movie to watch during your session. Neurofeedback works by changing brainwave patterns to match desired states that are conducive to being well balanced, focused, calm and in control.  

As you watch the movie, the software tells the brain when it is in the desired state by “rewarding” it with a bright well lit screen on the TV monitor.  At the same time the software will “discourage” the brain from producing unfavorable brainwave patterns by darkening the screen when these brainwave patterns appear.  Through a process called “operant conditioning”, the brain learns how to control the brightness of the screen by producing only the favored brainwave patterns. This “trains” the brain and it learns new patterns.  

Newrologix Neurofeedback sessions take about 30 minutes from start to finish.  We use single sensors instead of the swim cap and use a paste instead of the gel.  This minimizes the messiness.

Some people experience slight dizziness after a session but this is uncommon.  Others report feeling tired for about an hour after the initial sessions but this also is short lived once the brain becomes accustomed to the training regimen.

WHEN DO WE REMAP?

At an intermittent point during the protocol we will present the option to remap in order to help guide and inform us of the brains progress since its first session.  This remapping gives us the ability to compare the first map to the mid protocol map. This map may of may not be required depending on the progress we see during the early sessions.  

Some families elect to remap at the end of the protocol to see the comparison of before and after.  This is not required.

DOES MY INSURANCE COVER THIS?

Your insurance company may or may not provide reimbursement for the Neurofeedback services.  You can request that your insurance company reimburse you for the associated cost. This is between you and your insurance company.  Your provider can provide you with an itemized receipt for the services along with the billing/procedure codes they will request but we cannot advocate beyond that.  The receipt for services and itemized billing will come directly from your provider upon request. Providers have their own policies regarding insurance so please contact your provider directly.

NEWROLOGIX FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a form of Biofeedback that uses tiny sensors which are placed on the scalp to detect Brainwaves and EEG signals.  It is done by connecting the sensors to a hospital grade EEG amplifier, then to a computer similar to a BCI (Brain Computer Interface) program.  The system monitors brain activity and feeds back the information to the participant via a reward system. Neurofeedback changes brain structure and even blood flow over time.  

Newrologix Neurofeedback is done in a quiet setting so that you can concentrate without distractions. Newrologix sessions last roughly 30 minutes and can be performed up to 2 times a day. In these sessions, sensors are placed on the client’s head, in precise locations, to balance intended areas. Once sensors are placed, the client sits in front of a screen to watch their favorite movie or television show. When the targeted areas of the brain are operating inefficiently the screen will begin to dim. Since the brain wants the screen to stay bright, the brain will naturally correct the inefficiency and it will be rewarded with a fully lit screen. Over time, this process will retrain the brain to operate efficiently and in the correct frequency range(s).

What is a Brainmap?

A Brainmap is a digital recording of the patients own brainwaves.  Using a cap that has 19 tiny sensors, we can collect over 100,000 samples of brain activity in one recording.  The cap needs a conductive gel to be inserted into small openings around the cap, so we suggest wearing comfortable clothes that are easy to wash in case the harmless gel gets onto your shirt or pants.  It is similar to ultrasound gel and is water soluble and non-toxic. The brainmap recording can take up to 45 min but the actual recording time is less than 10 minutes. Once the recording is done, it is suggested that you wash your hair, although there is no harm in leaving the gel in except that it will eventually dry and harden.  Warm water will wash it out easily. Prior to your mapping, it is suggested that you drink plenty of water and do not use any hair products. A clean dry scalp is required or you will be asked to reschedule.  

What will I feel during a session?

Nothing painful.  Since we are simply listening to your brainwaves, Neurofeedback is pain free and non invasive.  During the session, you will be watching your favorite Netflix show and the dimming and brightening of the screen will be the feedback that your brain is in the right state and balance.  Staying calm when the screen dims is critical since we have filters in place that monitor muscle tension which will darken the screen if too much muscle activity is seen.  This teaches the brain and body to remain calm and focus on the task without tensing up.  

What will I feel after the session?

Some people report feeling tired after their first few sessions but this will typically subside after the first 5-10.  We suggest that you bring a piece of fruit to help replenish the glucose that is consumed by the brain during Neurofeedback.  The only moderately reported "side effect" from Neurofeedback can be a slight headache but this is generally caused by eye strain when people try to focus too hard and strain their eyes.  We suggest being calm and relaxed and letting the brain, not the muscles in our face do the work. 

Is there evidence that Neurofeedback works?

Yes. There are hundreds of articles that are published showing Neurofeedback’s efficacy on a wide range of conditions including but not limited to; ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Pain, Epilepsy, Stroke, Bi-Polar Disorder, behavioral problems, learning difficulties, auditory processing, speech and language problems, Autism Spectrum disorders, etc...

If I am taking medication, should I stop?

NO! Your doctor prescribed these medications to alter the function of your neurotransmitters and chemicals.  Stopping these powerful medications can be detrimental. We suggest discussing Neurofeedback with your provider and letting them know you have chosen this evidence based alternative and that extensive monitoring to the known side effects of the medication may arise as the brain begins to do the work on its own.  Titration methods to reduce or eliminate the medication should only be prescribed by a licensed professional who is trained in this practice of reducing or altering the medication schedule or dosing.  

How long before I notice any changes?

Most people report better sleep within the first 10 sessions and better focus.  This is not the case for everyone since all brains are different and respond differently to Neurofeedback much like not all people respond to medications the same way.  Should you notice any negative behaviors or feelings arise, this is normal. A lot of times our negative self talk and feelings lie behind a cloud of fogginess that is caused by the brain "suppressing" these feelings.  As the Neurofeedback clears the fog, we begin to become aware of the self talk and it can be difficult. This is when we would suggest seeking professional help with a licensed therapist to help you navigate the feelings and achieve success in managing them through the therapeutic process.  A lot of times we are able to process these things on our own but professionals provide proven "tools" to help us process these things in a shorter amount of time. 

Can I do anything at home to enhance or practice Neurofeedback?

No.  You need the reinforcement and monitoring of the brainwaves to provide the feedback that your brainwaves are in the right state to be rewarded.  Most people cannot feel the microvolt changes in brainwave activity well enough to recognize the shift towards balance.  

Are the effects of Neurofeeback permanent?

Yes! This is barring a head injury or a major life changing event.  Most of the long term studies show that once the brain learns the new behavior of better focus or better relaxation or better etc... it does not tend to change back.  We do sometimes get families that will come back for a "refresher" over the summer or a few weeks time but this is rare.  

How many session will I need and how often?

There is no magic number of sessions that a person may require.  We have seen people have amazing permanent changes in 10 sessions while others begin to show change after the 10th session.  We do suggest that Neurofeedback be done at least 2-3 times per week in office or 5-10 times at home if you are participating in an in-home program like the one we offer.