What is LORETA Neurofeedback?

LORETA NEUROFEEDBACK TRAINING

LORETA neurofeedback is an advanced form of neurofeedback training. It involves wearing a cap that measures 19 sites on the head. With this approach we can see what is happening at 47 Brodmann areas in your brain. In addition, the complex mathematics involved in LORETA allow us to train amplitudes, coherence and phase at 47 Brodmann areas. Communication between sites deep in the cortex can also be influenced.  This is why some call it Deep Brain Neurofeedback. This program also allows us to train networks in the brain.  Networks are areas of the brain that work together to perform a function.  There are networks associated with executive function, attention, mood, anxiety, and pain. As we are able to target many locations at once, we are able to see the effects of the training more quickly than traditional neurofeedback. 

The training itself involves receiving feedback in the form of a DVD movie or animation. When the client is able to move their brainwave patterns in the right direction (direction toward resolving symptoms) then the DVD movie/animation will play. The client learns what it feels like to be in the desired mental state (often a state of calm, relaxed focus and concentration). They can also learn to regulate brainwave patterns in order to normalize brain functioning in areas where they are having difficulty. A simple example of this would be a person who has difficulty reading. After practice they are able to achieve this state more easily and their brain begins to function in a more optimal way.

 We began using LORETA neurofeedback in our centre several years ago. Our preliminary results with clients experiencing head injury, anxiety, depression, learning difficulties, and ADHD have been impressive and we are hoping to publish research in the near future. 

Our LORETA neurofeedback training program is based on a complete assessment of the brain (brain map) and is tailored to the client.  We collaborate with the client to decide what the best training program will be for them and then we update it after every 10 training sessions.

Some of the symptoms  and areas of concern that can be worked on in training include the following -

Anxiety

Attention Deficits

Balance Problems

Blurred Vision

Chronic Pain

Depression

Dyslexia

Executive function

Face recognition

Hyperactivity

Impulsivity

Mood Swings

Migraines

Short Term Memory

Slow reader

Sleep Problems

Anger management

Difficulties interpreting nuance, innuendo and emotions