Head Injury Remediating with Neurofeedback
submitted by Maria Di Donato DEd, BCN, PA Licensed Psychologist, PA/NJ Certified School Psychologist
Richard, not his real name, is a college-educated professional. He sustained a head injury at age 10 when “he slipped and hit the back of his head on the ice.” Afterwards, he began to struggle through school, later through college and life, trying to manage the anxiety and depression he was experiencing.
He “hated himself” and often he thought he would never be happy. Fortunately, he was a bright person and obtained a college degree and a professional job despite the disruptive emotional struggles.
He felt unable to succeed and struggled with obsessive thoughts. Even though he was on medication and was in counseling he felt defeated and unhappy much of the time. He had difficulty sleeping, and life was a real challenge to him.
A family member suggested that Richard try neurofeedback as a treatment for his head injury.
At his first appointment, Richard appeared sad and unhappy, an appearance that was very common for him. His self-report indicated ADHD, hyperactivity, impulsivity, anxiety, being frustrated easily, being easily annoyed, restless, seeing the worst in things, feeling withdrawn from family events, not trusting himself and putting himself down.
Richard agreed to a Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG) in order to locate the areas of the brain injured by the fall which would set up a blueprint for neurotherapy. Results showed the specific brainwave imbalances and exact areas affected which formed the guideline for treatment. Shortly after starting neurofeedback, Richard appeared relaxed and began to smile more. His conversations moved away from his symptoms, and he began to share the experiences and concerns of his daily life and having a more positive outlook about his life and plans for the future.
With treatment, the brain begins to produce a more positive balance of brainwaves. With neurotherapy the brainwaves responsible for anxiety and depression are replaced by more positive waves that are associated with better cognitive and emotional states.
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