No matter the purpose – meditation or focus tracking, data-driven performance monitoring or clinical-grade brain training – we can assist.
NeurOptimal is the only at-home neurofeedback device capable of offering full training experience with equal depth and accuracy as used in clinics, making it effortless, effective, and fully customizable to your goals.
EEG (Electroencephalogram)
Electroencephalogram (EEG), or electroencephalography, is a painless test used to measure electrical brain activity. For this procedure, small sensors will be placed on your scalp to record signals which are then displayed live on a computer screen in real-time and used to train you how to change your brainwave patterns for improved mental and physical wellbeing. An EEG can also be used to detect seizures (fits), memory problems or find the cause of other neurological conditions; typically conducted by clinical neurophysiologist specialists during short visits to hospital.
Your doctor may ask that you forgo sleep the night before, or only get a few hours, in order for the test to accurately reflect your brain’s natural activity. Once there, a technician will attach wires to various parts of your head; though the procedure is non-painful and just slightly uncomfortable. If you have children involved with testing, be sure they know beforehand it won’t hurt and enlist assistance from either their parent or friend to stay still during testing. In some instances they may also ask that medications are stopped prior to starting this testing session if appropriate – which your physician will determine prior to conducting such an assessment test.
Video EEG or video telemetry is a specialized type of EEG used to detect seizure sites in the brain. It typically lasts several days while in an inpatient hospital suite and includes filming your brain activity while being recorded and sent directly to a computer; then you’ll be able to watch video feedback on that computer screen and practice shifting your brainwave patterns accordingly.
Consumer neurofeedback devices have quickly become an effective tool for improving mental wellbeing. While they provide great potential to those living with disabilities, some potential drawbacks for them include lack of standardization and training protocols as well as not yet being available to all. Still, this technology offers great promise to enhance lives by helping individuals better control emotions and behaviors.
fNIRS (Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy)
fNIRS is a non-invasive imaging technique which measures changes in brain hemodynamic responses (blood flow and oxygenation) associated with cognitive processing. Unlike EEG, which provides only an analytic data of brain activity, fNIRS gives real-time physiological feedback about its activity and allows users to visualize how different parts of their brains are working together.
An fNIRS experiment involves participants wearing a small head cap fitted with sensors which measure blood flow to the brain. These sensors may be placed anywhere on their heads as research participants perform different tasks that may include sitting down, lying down, engaging in active behaviors (learning/memory tasks or performance tests) or participating in learning/memory exercises or performance tasks. Researchers will be able to track responses in different parts of their brain that react to stimuli, providing insights into their functionality.
Sensors used with EEG sensors can detect increases in either oxygenated hemoglobin or deoxygenated hemoglobin by measuring light attenuation of specific wavelengths absorbed more readily by brain molecules. Once measured, signals resulting from this analysis can then be fed back to participants who can view color on a computer screen or hear music while making adjustments to improve performance – providing real-time feedback that can be both empowering and motivating for individuals.
At-home neurofeedback systems can either be self-guided using an app, or offer traditional clinician supervision; your decision will ultimately depend on your goals and preferred training style.
Studies have demonstrated a close correlation between the functional MRI BOLD signal (blood oxygen level dependent) signal and the fNIRS signal, reflecting changes in regional blood flow associated with performing tasks. fNIRS is an ideal method for monitoring neurological disorders associated with cerebral hemodynamic dysregulation as it is noninvasive, portable and economical – perfect for clinical applications. Monitoring cerebral blood supply to the brain during seizures enables physicians to intervene quickly and effectively – leading to significant reductions in cases where patients suffer potentially lethal seizures that would otherwise go undetected and untreated.
NIRS (Near Infrared Spectroscopy)
Neurofeedback training is an effective and non-invasive way to promote mental wellbeing. Many mental illnesses, brain injuries, and behavioral challenges stem from dysregulated brain activity. By teaching your brain how to self-regulate more efficiently, neurofeedback devices can reduce anxiety levels while encouraging relaxation and improving concentration levels. Thanks to at-home and remote devices neurofeedback is more accessible than ever!
NIRS utilizes a simple yet effective technique for measuring brain tissue oxygenation: infrared light passes through the skull, providing real-time monitoring of frontal cortex (grey matter) oxygenation. Oxygenated hemoglobin differs significantly in its optical properties from deoxygenated hemoglobin; oxygenated blood appears red while deoxygenated blood ranges from blue to black and this difference is exploited to create visual representations of cerebral oxygenation.
As part of their neurofeedback training session, individuals using NIRS wear a headband equipped with sensors. As music tracks play back during training sessions, software detects any electrical activity changes; during brief pauses during music playback it provides feedback by changing color of display based on brainwave recordings being taken by changing color on display accordingly. This enables individuals to consciously change their brainwave patterns for improved cognitive and emotional wellbeing.
The Crown Neurofeedback Device is an advanced home neurofeedback solution, providing users with an opportunity to focus on increasing mental performance through gamma brainwave training. The crown can also help tackle emotional and psychological challenges like stress, depression and anxiety; during training sessions users can see on-screen visualization of their brain activity as well as video game rewards for focusing and relaxing their minds.
Neurofeedback devices used at home are safe; however, it’s best to use them under the guidance of an experienced practitioner to ensure proper device setup and training results. In addition, trained neurofeedback practitioners will be able to identify any issues during their sessions that arise and take the appropriate actions to address them quickly and efficiently.
fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Neurofeedback can help train individuals to self-regulate their brain activity. This noninvasive and drug-free treatment has also shown benefits in relieving anxiety and insomnia symptoms, and improving focus and relaxation. Furthermore, its benefits extend beyond mental health improvements to include pain management and managing traumatic brain injuries.
fMRI, or functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a diagnostic tool that utilizes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It detects changes in blood flow and oxygenation levels, producing high-resolution images of the brain. While fMRI has become an invaluable asset in neuroscience research, its application in clinic settings remains limited due to expensive technology and cumbersome equipment – not ideal for people with large heads who might not fit inside a scanner comfortably or having metal implants or irregular heartbeats who cannot obtain clear images.
fMRI procedures are similar to regular MRI, in that patients lie on a table before being moved into the long, cylindrical machine and given earplugs to minimize noise during scanning. As part of the scan, technicians will instruct patients to perform various tasks; an average fMRI session typically lasts around an hour and must remain as still as possible to yield optimal results.
One reason fMRI has become more widely utilized in neurofeedback is because it offers an accurate way of measuring brain activity. Furthermore, its use can reveal the cause of certain symptoms such as anxiety or migraines and can even help monitor brain injuries.
Neurofeedback comes in various forms. EEG-fMRI neurofeedback, for instance, teaches patients how to control their brain waves – this form is frequently used for treating ADHD, anxiety and sleep issues as well as chronic pain relief.
Studies suggest neurofeedback can treat various conditions, but it’s important to keep in mind that most research was conducted in clinical settings. At-home devices are less comprehensive than their clinical counterparts and lack regulatory oversight – it is therefore advisable to first speak to a healthcare provider before trying any at-home neurofeedback devices.
