Week 1/Week 2 Update

I realize that this is a little late, but I wanted to better understand what I was observing before I started posting weekly updates. My first day was nothing like I expected -- there were brief introductions then I was thrown right into my work. But I'm not complaining; it was very helpful to begin that early. Initially, I just sat in on training sessions, watching either Jimmy or Josh (the EEG technicians) attach the electrodes to the patient and program their individualized treatment.

The electrodes are placed according to the internationally recognized "10/20 System" of  locations. In a future post, I will discuss all these locations in detail. For now, it is necessary to know that there are 19 possible electrode locations on the scalp. Locations are chosen in accordance with the intent of that particular training session (what behaviors are being targeted). The electrodes are then plugged into an electroencephalogram amplifier, which augments any detected brainwaves so analysis is possible. The amplified waves appear on a computer screen in front of the patient. As mentioned in previous posts, the display helps the patient associate their brainwaves with their mental state, which eventually trains the brain to inhibit/encourage certain associated behaviors.

Types of Neurofeedback
But while all Neurofeedback forms function on the same principle, there are two different types of training.  

Single channel uses two reference electrodes for the ears but only one scalp electrode, which is placed on a single 10/20 location. This type is typically used when the patients disorder/problem isn't complex (only ADD or Depression). The single scalp channel can target certain areas of the brain from the surface and is all that is necessary to treat a relatively simple disorder.  

19 channel neurofeedback uses an electrode cap placed over the scalp to cover all 10/20 locations. This is used for more complex issues, such as multiple disorders or severe conditions. 19 channel has the ability to 3-dimensionally target regions of the brain, and, as a result, can treat multiple issues at once. But this type of training is very new, so all evidence for this type is theoretical. The majority of neurofeedback studies have been conducted with single channel training.  Both types use an amplifier and a monitor setup.

Electrode Cap

Within each type, there are two possible options of treatment: eyes open and eyes closed. These aren't really types of neurofeedback as much as possible treatment routes. So a possible route would be 19 channel eyes open, single channel eyes closed, etc.

Eyes open allows the patient to play a game, or watch a movie with their eyes open. All the while, the patient will be training their brain. If their brainwave levels are too high, the player loses points or the movie will dim.

Eyes closed training shuts out any outside interference with brain activity, such as visual processing. The patient closes their eyes and listens to music. If they are performing well, the music volume stays the same or increases; if they are not, the volume decreases.

I have mostly been watching single channel sessions because they are much less complicated to understand. Within the next few weeks, I will be posting a guide to the training program (how to program a treatment into the single channel computer system) and the setup.