 Feedback of real time displays of EEG

waveform to illustrate brain activity,

with a goal of controlling CNS activity.
 Sensors on scalp  EEG
Amplifier( including multistage
Amplifiers + BPF) computer software
(detect, amplify, and record specific
brain activity)
 Resulting information  instantaneous
fed back to the trainee  signal
indicate whether or not within the
designated range. 
 Learning strategy that enables persons
to alter their brain waves.
 Information about a person's own brain
wave characteristics  made available
to the same person learns to change
them.
 Termed as exercise for the brain.
 Brain is remarkably adaptable, and
capable of learning
 It can also learn to improve its own
performance, if only it is given clues
about what to change.
 By making information available to the
brain about how it is functioning, and
asking it to make adjustments, it can
do so.
 EEG obtained from Frontal Lobe
 BPF : 13 – 32 Hz
 For filtering Beta waves which is
responsible for attention
 Fourier transform to find power
 % Beta = Power of Beta

Total power of all waves

This value is used for biofeedback
 Feedback: video game
 When the brainwaves are of the desired
frequency,
› the character in the game will move in the
proper direction.
 When the patient has learned how to
increase these levels
› proponents believe improvements in attention
will result and that there will be reductions in
hyperactive/impulsive behaviour
 As activity in a desirable frequency band
increases, the video moves faster, or some
other reward is given.
 As activity in an adverse band increases,
the video 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 closer to what is
normally observed in individuals without
such disabilities.
 EEG training sessions (1st Session:
2hrs, subsequent sessions: 30-45 mins)
 Some improvement is generally seen
within ten to twenty sessions.
 Once learning is consolidated, the
benefit appears to be permanent in
most cases.
 Used for many neural conditions and
disabilities.
 The training is also helpful with the
› control of mood disorders such as anxiety
and depression
› more severe conditions such as medically
uncontrolled seizures
› minor traumatic brain injury
› cerebral palsy
ADHD :
 Impulsivity, distractibility, and hyperactivity
may all respond to the training
 Leads to successful school performance
 Improvement in cognitive function
 Increase in IQ score: 10 and more points
 Behavioural improvement :
› Control of child’s temper tantrums, belligerent,
and even violence or cruelty
Depression:
› Gradual recovery of "affect", or emotional
responsiveness
› Reduction of effort fatigue
Anxiety and panic attacks:
› Gradual improvement in "regulation”
› drop-off in frequency and severity of
anxiety episodes and panic attacks until
the condition normalizes
Epilepsy:
 Reduction in severity and incidence of
seizures or total cessation of seizures
 Dosage of anticonvulsant medication
may be reduced
 Side effects of such medication may
diminish