3 Sessions of Troubled Youth Grand Rounds

Date: Thursday, October 13/ November 10/ December 15, 2011
Time: 09:00 to 10:00 Eastern Time (US & Canada) 
Session Leader: Linda Walker

These three 60-minute online sessions, live from Michigan, are scheduled monthly for three consecutive months. Each one hour grand round session gives you the opportunity to ask Linda Walker your questions about the use of biofeedback and neurofeedback for troubled youth. Share new information and discuss cases with Linda, guest presenters and colleagues. Live demonstrations of recorded data and other information set in an interactive framework provide up-to-date, relevant summaries that can immediately be put to use. These online sessions are a convenient method for professionals to obtain continuous consultation for their cases. Participants also benefit from being able to review approaches taken by colleagues in different professions and practice situations working with a wide range of populations.

DR. SWINGLE'S GRAND ROUNDS

DR. SWINGLE'S GRAND ROUNDS

Save time and benefit from the 6-hours of instruction recorded during Dr. Swingle's Grand Rounds Advanced Level online class. The recordings were made over 6-months at each of the six 60-minute sessions for experienced neurofeedback practitioners. During each recording, participants discuss in an open forum, case presentation style, how they use Dr. Swingle's QuickQ and BrainDryvr methods in their practice. The "Grand Rounds" recordings include the Dr. Swingle's expert opinion, in which he shares new information with the participants. Live demonstrations of recorded data and other information set in an interactive framework provide up-to-date, relevant summaries that can immediately be put to use. These recordings are a convenient method for professionals to benefit from Dr. Swingle's consultations for cases recorded during the presentations made by participants in the live sessions. Each 60-minute recording informs experienced practitioners on the latest technology designed to implement Dr. Swingle's assessment and treatment methods. Paul G. Swingle, Ph.D., is a Fellow of the Canadian Psychological Association and was a Lecturer in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School from 1991 to 1998. Since 1997 he has been in a private practice in Vancouver, British Columbia. His most recent book, "Biofeedback for the Brain" (2008), was published by Rutgers University Press and has just been released in paperback.

http://www.bfe.org/buy/product_info.php?products_id=162

INFINITI FOR THE LEARNING CURVE (TLC)

INFINITI FOR THE LEARNING CURVE (TLC) SUITE

Francois Dupont

This suite presents François Dupont's sophisticated but easy-to-run scripts to transfer data recorded with the Infiniti system to the TLC spreadsheet.This limited edition suite enables Thought Technology Infiniti users to record 2, 4, or 6 channels of EEG data for transfer to the TLC Excel Files. The TLC method provides numerous integrated views of the data from 10 to 18 sites and entails a process for examining brain patterns as a basis for determining training plans quickly and effectively. The Infiniti for The Learning Curve (TLC) Suite also provides basic training screens for Infiniti users that have been trained to use the TLC approach created by Peter Van Deusen.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR TINNITUS

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR TINNITUS SUITE

The Neurofeedback for Tinnitus Limited Edition software suite is based on the published work of Dr. Dohrmann and her research group in Universität Konstanz. The software is designed to assess and then help to normalize the activity of alpha and delta brainwaves by providing feedback of their ratios. The Limited Edition suite includes a collection of literature, samples of tinnitus questionnaires, sample data from a tinnitus client, and research notes. The Infiniti screen collection consists of several training screens, a report screen, an artifacting screen, signal verification and baseline screen, two basic scripts, and script instructions.

QUICKQ & BRAINDRYVR

DR. SWINGLE'S QUICKQ & BRAINDRYVR SUITE

Paul G. Swingle, Ph.D.

This QuickQ & BrainDryvr software was designed by Dr. Paul Swingle and includes comprehensive clinical and software guides that cover every step from recording an initial assessment to training sessions. Dr. Swingle’s QuickQ Assessment system is a simple method to examine brain activity as a basis for determining training plans quickly and effectively. Results from the assessment are arranged in a simple excel reports, which includes notes for quick interpretation. The documentation included with the suite guides users through the entire process of hardware hook-up, client preparation, impedance check, data recording and reviewing. Sample data is also included with the software program to allow purchasers to see a real-time recording of a BrainDryvr session.

LOW FREQUENCY NEUROFEEDBACK

LOW FREQUENCY NEUROFEEDBACK SUITE

This suite combines engineering know-how in low frequency signal processing to enable training of low frequencies (0.001 to 3 Hz). Users can also monitor standard EEG bandwiths and physiology data. These screens are a good starting point for practitioners, educators and researchers who wish to further research this specialization.

Joint Time Frequency Analysis

Application
Variable speed paper finishing equipment, like offline calenders and winders, accelerate from a stopped condition to full operating speed in a matter of a few minutes. During this period vibrations in the many rolls and rotating components change with speed. At certain speeds, the vibrations in rolls may increase significantly as resonance frequencies are approached and passed, thereby affecting paper quality and runnability.
JTFA is a speed dependent analysis of vibrations in paper finishing equipment, or any equipment whose speed is rapidly changing. Using the high-speed processing power of the Sensodec 6S and its unique simultaneous multi-channel measurements, the vibration signals and spectra of all rotating equipment in the machinery are anlyzed. Vibration specialists can determine the speeds at which vibrations rise above normal levels and which machinery components are causing the problems. The machinery speed ramps can then be altered to provide the most vibration-free path to full speed operation.

Benefits of JTFA

• With powerful computing platform, all measurement points on the winder or calender are measured simultaneously. The causes and paths of vibrations can be clearly identified and isolated to certain rolls or components.
• Speed steps can be set to avoid resonant frequencies and provide the smoothest operation in calender or winder without breaks and customer roll quality problems.
• Roll cover lifetimes can be extended by avoiding vibrations and stresses.
• The positioning of calender rolls can be optimized to provide the smoothest operation. Problem positions for certain rolls can be avoided.

Integrated Neurofeedback

INTEGRATED NEUROFEEDBACK SUITE

The goal of this suite is to facilitate neurofeedback training after some form of EEG assessment, like full cap QEEG (NeuroGuide, HBI-Mitsar, SKIL, Loreta, etc.), mini-Qs (TLC assessment, QuickQ, DCN128, etc.), or symptom based assessments such as the Brownback-Mason CNC-1020. A judicious use of user-defined bands allows you to integrate the target EEG data gathered from the assessment into the software and to instantaneously create numerous training protocols tailored to the client. This approach addresses a wide range of conditions and disorders. In the Integrated Neurofeedback Suite most screens use multiple bands from 2 channels, combined in one main bar graph. This, paired with the detailed on-screen instructions, greatly simplifies the work for the clinician and for the client. The training screens clearly display trends in real time during the recording. Also, new review screens make the tracking of progress easier than ever. Finally, the very innovative and unique Protocol Selector screens speed-up review time and helps selecting the next protocol by comparing the one just used to other potential protocols.

Dr.Francois Dupont

Epilepsy

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which a person has repeated seizures (convulsions) over time. Seizures are episodes of disturbed brain activity that cause changes in attention or behavior.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Epilepsy occurs when permanent changes in brain tissue cause the brain to be too excitable or jumpy. The brain sends out abnormal signals. This results in repeated, unpredictable seizures. (A single seizure that does not happen again is not epilepsy.)

Epilepsy may be due to a medical condition or injury that affects the brain, or the cause may be unknown (idiopathic).

Common causes of epilepsy include:

• Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• Dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease
• Traumatic brain injury
• Infections, including brain abscess, meningitis, encephalitis, and AIDS
• Brain problems that are present at birth (congenital brain defect)
• Brain injury that occurs during or near bith
• Metabolism disorders that a child may be born with (such as phenylketonuria)
• Brain tumor
• Abnormal blood vessels in the brain
• Other illness that damage or destroy brain tissue

Epilepsy seizures usually begin between ages 5 and 20, but they can happen at any age. There may be a family history of seizures or epilepsy.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. Some people may have simple staring spells, while others have violent shaking and loss of alertness. The type of seizure depends on the part of the brain affected and cause of epilepsy.

Most of the time, the seizure is similar to the previous one. Some people with epilepsy have a strange sensation (such as tingling, smelling an odor that isn't actually there, or emotional changes) before each seizure. This is called an aura.

For a detailed description of the symptoms associated with a specific type of seizure, see:

• Absence (petit mal) seizure
• Generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure
• Partial (focal) seizure

Signs and tests

The doctor will perform a physical exam, which will include a detailed look at the brain and nervous system.

An EEG (electroencephalogram) will be done to check the electrical activity in the brain. People with epilepsy will often have abnormal electrical activity seen on this test. In some cases, the test may show the area in the brain where the seizures start. The brain may appear normal after a seizure or between seizures.

To diagnose epilepsy or plan for epilepsy surgery:

• You may need to wear an EEG recorder for days or weeks while you go about your everyday life.
• You may need to stay in a special hospital where brain activity can be be watched on video cameras. This is called video EEG.

Tests that may be done include:

• Blood chemistry
• Blood sugar
• CBC (complete blood count)
• Kidney function tests
• Liver function tests
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
• Tests for infectious diseases

Head CT or MRI scan often done to find the cause and location of the problem in the brain.

Treatment

Treatment for epilepsy may involve surgery or medication.

If epilepsy seizures are due to a tumor, abnormal blood vessels, or bleeding in the brain, surgery to treat these disorders may make the seizures stop.

Medication to prevent seizures, called anticonvulsants, may reduce the number of future seizures.

• These drugs are taken by mouth. Which type you are prescribed depends on the type of seizures you have.
• Your dosage may need to be changed from time to time. You may need regular blood tests to check for side effects.
• Always take your medication on time and as directed. Missing a dose can cause you to have a seizure. Never not stop taking or change medications without talking to your doctor first.
• Many epilepsy medications cause birth defects. Women wishing to become pregnant should tell the doctor in advance in order to adjust medications.

Epilepsy that does not get better after two or three anti-seizure drugs have been tried is called "medically refractory epilepsy."

• Surgery to remove the abnormal brain cells causing the seizures may be helpful for some patients.
• Surgery to place a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) may be recommended. This device is similiar to a heart pacemaker. It can help reduce the number of seizures.

Sometimes, children are placed on a special diet to help prevent seizures. The most popular one is the ketogenic diet. A diet low in carbohydrates, such as the Atkins diet, may also be helpful in some adults.

Lifestyle or medical changes can increase the risk for a seizure in a person with epilepsy. Talk with your doctor about:

• New prescribed medications, vitamins, or supplements
• Emotional stress
• Illness, especially infection
• Lack of sleep
• Pregnancy
• Skipping doses of epilepsy medications
• Use of alcohol or other recreational drugs

Dr. Diana Martinez is the Co-director of the Neurogenetic Clinic at Miami Children’s Hospital, Dan Marino Center. She has been with Neuro Network Partners since 1996. She graduated from Universidad Central de Este, School of Medicine, San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic. She completed her Pediatric internship at the University of Florida and an Adult and Pediatric Neurology fellowship at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Martinez has board certification with the American Board of Pediatrics and is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and Cuban Pediatric Society. Dr. Martinez interest include epilepsy, neurogenetics, neurodevelopmental disorders and ADD/ADHD.

HEG Neurofeedback

Basics of HEG Neurofeedback

By Dr Ernesto Sholomo Korenman

HEG (Hemo-Encephalo-Graphy ) biofeedback is an effective and drugless treatment

for many neuropsychological conditions which involves the self-regulation of cortical activation.

HEG represents a simple and non-intrusive way for both: monitoring and training

cerebral function without the inconvenience of electrode preparation which other

neurofeedback methods generally require.

HEG has high compliance by clients and patients and the training can be delivered

with a help of entertaining and attractive feedback suitable for children and adults.

Physiological Basis

HEG devices measure and feed back changes correlated with blood flow dynamics

and cellular metabolism in localized parts of the brain cortex. These measurements

are closely correlated with brain activation due to a phenomenon called

“neurovascular coupling”. Briefly, blood carries all the nutrients and oxygen needed

to fuel neuronal activation and the localized delivery of blood supply to each part of

the cortex is closely linked to the particular metabolic requirements and the level of

neuronal activity in that region at every single moment.

The logic behind this biofeedback intervention is that repeatedly engaging in HEG

biofeedback, "exercises" the brain in a unique way which confers very promising and

long lasting neuro-behavioural benefits for the trainee. Special pre/post SPECT

(Single Positron Emission Computerized Tomography) imaging techniques has been

already used to verify that HEG biofeedback treatment promotes conspicuous blood

flow increases, (activation), below the treated areas.

History

State of the art HEG methodology is originally based on brain monitoring

technologies like nIR Spectrophotometry and Thermoscopy developed in the last 10-

15 years.

In 1994 Dr. Hershel Toomim developed his own nIR Spectrophotometer

methodology and subsequently was the first to show that that the monitored activity

can be self-regulated by biofeedback means. His early work on the application of nIR

HEG biofeedback in the treatment of ADD and ADHD and other neurobehavioral

conditions followed soon after that.

Slightly afterwards, Dr. Jeff Carmen started experimenting to build and test a device

to measure cerebrovascular activation using passive infrared technology in an attempt

to both monitor migraine activity and to train control over the associated abnormal

cerebrovascular behavior. In 1998 Dr Carmen formally reported success in the

treatment of migraine through pIR HEG biofeedback.

In the last five years other researchers and clinicians have joined this exciting area of

neurofeedback, (mainly in the USA). However, this technology is still considered to

be the newest modality addition to the central biofeedback practice and a therapeutic

tool with extremely promising future.

HEMOENCEPHALOGRAPHY (HEG) SUITE

Ernesto Korenman, Ph.D.

HEG biofeedback is an effective and drugless treatment for many neuropsychological conditions. It involves the self-regulation of cortical activation; unlike neurofeedback, HEG monitors and trains cerebral functions without the inconvenience of electrode preparation. This software helps newcomers understand how biofeedback devices can monitor blood perfusion or blood oxygenation inside the brain with a near-infrared (nIR) headband sensor. When you activate certain sites on the head, you enhance a corresponding function in the brain. The separate MediTech sensor system is required for the suite’s correct operation.

ProBaseball

Baseball is a game that demands quite a bit of thought. There are long pauses between pitches and there may be great lulls between moments of explosive action. Players have to be prepared mentally before every play. If an outfielder allows his mind to blank out while waiting for some action, he may be completely unaware of what to do when a ball is finally hit his way. But if a player is paying attention, there are no surprises.

One of the mental aspects that coaches emphasize is that a player should "stay within himself" and "not try to do too much." This is a way of relieving pressure when playing baseball, according to Dr. Ben Stack of Proball Optimal Performance Training Program. For example, hitting a baseball is widely considered to be one of the most difficult tasks in sports. You are trying to hit a round ball with a round bat squarely. That's hard enough to do on it's own, but when pressure is added by players who want to improve their batting averages or they hear the coach tell them how "important" an at bat is, it adds pressure and keeps a player from focusing.

Imagery

One of the most important aspects of success in baseball can come from having a positive state of mind. If you think about your performance before you get in the batter's box and envision you will be successful, you have a better chance of getting a hit against the pitcher. According to Dr. Ben Stack of Proball Optimal Performance Training Program, making a "mental movie" of yourself succeeding can help you get a "blueprint for precise execution."

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/171607-baseball-mental-fundamentals/#ixzz1VIfVcsRz

Autism

Michael Linden

Michael Linden, Ph.D. has been the director of ADD Treatment Centers in Orange County & San Diego for 15 years. He was one of the pioneers in Neurofeedback and QEEG assessment for ADD in the 1990s and conducted several research studies with Joel Lubar & Vince Monsatra.

Recently, he has been conducting research on QEEG subtypes on Autism & Aspergers and using them to increase the efectiveness of Neurofeedback. His recent research will be published in the Journal of Early & Intensive Behavioral Intervention.


Published 5 research articles in the ADD area. Recently discovered unique subtypes of Autism & Aspergers. Dr. Linden's Neurofeedback treatment of Autism was featured this year in a NBC TV special entitled "Autism - The Hidden Epidemic"

Vince Monastra - ADHD

Today people are demanding the safest treatments possible for disorders and diseases not only for themselves but especially for their children. Biofeedback is cutting edge technology that can dramatically impact your life or the life of your loved one by helping to relieve symptoms of emotional and physical health problems.

More and more parents are looking for alternatives to ADHD drugs and the possible side effects. Biofeedback is an integrative therapy has proven to be successful in treating ADHD. Biofeedback is FDA regulated and is considered to be a very safe and effective procedure that neither has nor reported negative side effects. 

·Recent studies conducted by Vincent J. Monastra, PhD, at the FPI Attention Disorder Clinic in Endicott, N.Y. “concluded that all of those who underwent biofeedback were able to cut their medications by at least half – and still enjoyed the improvements they got from the drugs.

·In addition, the study indicated that 40% were able to discontinue their medications, while the kids who didn’t get biofeedback needed to continue medication to sustain improvement.”

According to Vincent J. Monastra, Ph.D. and colleagues of the FPI Attention Disorders Clinic, after year's worth of counseling and medication relieved some symptoms of ADHD among a group of children, but only children receiving additional biofeedback therapy managed to hold on to these healthy gains after going off the medication, according to a new study.

Vince Monastra

Half of the 100 children in the study received EEG biofeedback therapy, a treatment in which individuals are taught to retrain electrical activity in their brains. The biofeedback group also experienced significant changes in these "brain wave" patterns associated with attention-deficit disorder, according to Vincent J. Monastra, Ph.D., of the FPI Attention Disorders Clinic and colleagues.