Head injuries include Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and concussions from car accidents, falls, sports, etc. Symptoms may also be induced by medicines or exposure to toxic chemicals.
Symptoms:
Irritability, anger, impulsivity, attention problems, inflexibility and lack of ability to empathize with others are a few of the symptoms frequently experienced by individuals who have suffered head injuries. In addition, cognitive deficits in areas such as memory, visuospatial and communication skills as well as head pain can also result from TBIs.
We have observed instances when those of our clients who suffered from ADD/ADHD, anxiety and/or depression prior to head trauma experienced more deficits in the aftermath. The intensity of symptoms and length of recovery can vary due to pre-existing “imbalances.”
Assessment:
In many cases clients will come to us without a pre-diagnosed brain injury. However, after assessment of the brain wave activity with the quantitative Encephalography (qEEG) we also run a discriminant for brain injury. This assessment will give a percentage of probability of TBI. Although this may not change our course of training directly, it can offer some understanding to clients as to why they have experienced deficits in many areas of functioning.
Treatment:
Neurofeedback training gives the brain feedback to help it return to a baseline of functioning. Healing this type of fragile brain is based on targeted protocols (Z-scores and S-Loretta) in order to stabilize internal structures. It also helps to create optimum communication between networks and areas of the brain. In addition, we use Low Energy Neurofeedback (LENS) for healing brain injuries, which is a very effective intervention.
Treatment varies depending on the client and all the predisposed factors that make up the individual. However, we find that TBIs or concussions that are addressed within one year of the head trauma are quicker to heal and we are optimistic that 40 sessions will show very positive outcomes. At BiofeedbackWORKS we have the needed technological resources, in-depth knowledge of brain function, as well as a dedicated staff with professional licenses in the field of behavioral health to help your recovery process in every way possible.