2002 Winter Brain Meeting Abstracts;

Talk and Workshop Descriptions

 

LECTURE 20 MINUTES PROJECTOR FOR LAPTOP/POWERPOINT

PRESENTATION

Psychic Phenomena and the Brain: Localization, Locality or Non-Locality

Cheryl H. Alexander, Ph.D.

Life Quality Resources

5613-101 Duraleigh Road

Raleigh, NC 27612

(919) 782-4597

Email: alex144@attglobal.net

 

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For decades, researchers have been trying to identify neurophysiological

correlates of psychic (psi) phenomena. With the advancement of technology,

and the development and more widespread use of quantitative

electroencepha­lography (QEEG), neurophysiological correlates are being

identified and localization of brain electrical activity during these

unusual events is being found. The profound philosophical question of

locality or non-locality arises because of these findings. In other words,

is psychic phenomena a manifestation of the human brain, or is the human

brain the instrument for detecting these phenomena? These issues will be

explored in this presentation.

 

 

LEARNING WORDS: PSI PHENOMENA, LOCALIZATION, LOCALITY OR NON-LOCALITY

 

 

Biographical Sketch:

 

 

Cheryl Alexander, Ph.D. is a neurofeedback clinician at Life Quality

Resources in Raleigh, North Carolina. Cheryl has had a life-long interest in

parapsychology and conducted research in this area at the Institute for

Parapsychology in Durham, NC from 1993-2000. She is the recent recipient of

the Frances P. Bolton fellowship for post-doctoral studies in

parapsychology, and a previous recipient of the Eileen J. Garrett

Scholarship for Parapsychological Research and the Gertrude R. Schmeidler

Award for Outstanding Student Contribution to Parapsychology.

 

 

 

 

Adaptive Training Procedures for Spiritual and Psychological Transformation

By Valdeane W. Brown, Ph.D.

val@neurofeed.com

General Presentation

Despite advances in computer technology and information processing theory,

virtually all clinical Neurofeedback remains based on the simple triggering

of feedback events when a single intensity measure (like amplitude) in a

certain frequency range (eg 12-15 Hz) has crossed a particular pre-set value

or "threshold" of interest.

At times these targeting approaches have been made more complex and robust

by the use of ratios (eg Theta/Beta), durations (ie how long), or counts (ie

how many times), alternate metrics (like "coherence") or other analogous

derivations but, by and large, the basic model has remained strikingly

similar: viz intensity of a singular function within frequency range at

certain moments within sessions. This orientation has also been linked by

many to the hope for longitudinal data reflecting clear shifts in the mean

values of these various metrics across sessions. However, the outcome data

reported by many in the field indicates that there is more diversity among

results across these different methods than would be anticipated; and, thus,

the search continues for increasingly more refined measures, or metrics, of

clinically relevant changes in EEG.

This is especially evident and problematic in the context of using

Neurofeedback to promote Spiritual Transformation. The desired states and

abilities are more diverse, more fundamentally transformative and more

comprehensive in their affects throughout the CNS, than those involved in

the promotion of Psychological Transformation. Because of these factors, it

seems very important for the field to become conversant with and adept in

more comprehensive and "complex" targeting strategies.

We have been finding two targeting strategies to be particularly important

and useful in promoting Spiritual Transformation, as well as Psychological

Transformation. This presentation will describe these two strategies and

outline the clinical responses to them that we have seen in our clinical

work, all of which involves the use of two channels of EEG with active

sensors at C3 and C4, regardless of the client's presentation, complaints,

history or desires for the training.

The first approach uses what we call "Comprehensive Portals" and is based on

the NeuroCare Pro(c) Neurofeedback system. In this Portal, the clinician

sees and uses a "comprehensive" array of augments and inhibits that include

all of the specific targets described in the Period 3 Approach developed by

Valdeane W. Brown and Susan Brown. This means that a complete array of

bilateral inhibits is used (including 2-6 Hz and 23-38 Hz), along with a

complete array of augments (viz, C3 15-18 Hz, C4 13-15 Hz, bilateral 19-23

Hz, bilateral 38-42 Hz) and a "swing target" of 8-13 Hz, which functions as

an augment when eyes are closed, but an inhibit when eyes are open. In

addition, a separate dedicated "Crossover" target is used. All of these

targets are used concurrently, not sequentially, which yields a very complex

array of triggering possibilities integrating 17 different targets in

real-time. The second approach uses arrays of targets based on the observed

7 Hz "harmonics" in the EEG: ie targets center around 7 Hz, 14 Hz, 21 Hz, 28

Hz, 35 Hz and 42 Hz.

Both approaches use full autothresholding so that the clinician can most

easily "dance with the dendrites" of the client. In particular, it has been

fascinating to watch how the CNS itself "coaches" or educes the feedback

that is maximally useful to it from the Comprehensive Portals. The use of

these two targeting approaches will be discussed, especially in terms of the

dramatic affects produced for both Psychological and Spiritual

transformation.

 

Electro-Smog and Neurofeedback: The Effects of Training a 50 Hz and 60 Hz Signal to

Ameliorate the Symptoms of Electro-Smog

By Valdeane W. Brown, Ph.D.

General Presentation

Traditional approaches to Neurofeedback assume that effective training can

only occur in frequency ranges that lie far away from standard sources of

"noise" like wall current. In America this means isolating and removing the

components of all signal near 60 Hz, whereas, in Europe it means isolating

and removing the components of all signal near 50 Hz. However, with recent

advances in both hardware and software, it is entirely possible to both

detect and feedback shifts in these frequency ranges, if the correct signal

detection procedures are used with robust enough computers and amplifiers.

This means using 3rd or higher order JTFA-based denoising procedures with an

amplifier that rolls off at 61 Hz or higher. JTFA or Joint Time-Frequency

Analysis allows for the discernment of various forms of "noise" due to the

particular signature of that noise within the joint time-frequency domain,

while also preserving the particular characteristics of the EEG that share a

frequency range. The NeuroCare Pro(c) Neurofeedback system contains such

DSP (Digital Signal Processing) capabilities and was used for the training

that will be described.

Beyond the obvious implications of an expanded target range, one can ask

whether or not this particular DSP function is useful clinically - and the

answer appears to be yes, at least in regard to what has been called

"Electro-Smog" in Europe. A large body of clinical work has delineated

there a pattern of immune dysfunction that seems to be induced and

maintained by sustained contact with line current, which in Europe is 50 Hz.

A particular EEG signature can be seen using the NeuroCare Pro(c)

Neurofeedback system in clients suffering from "Electro-Smog" and the

specifics of this pattern involve a diagonal, time-frequency based "ramping

up" of activity along the frequency spectrum culminating in a rapid 50 Hz

burst that is not correlated with shifts in the wall current. The signal is

somewhat reminiscent of Doppler phenomenon and disappears with successful

training. This precise signature attenuates and/or disappears with

effective neurofeedback, especially when a 50 Hz inclusive "inhibit" target

is included.

Initial work on American subjects reveal this same pattern but centered

around 60 Hz, rather than 50 Hz.

Three important implications arise from this work:

Signals at or near line current can be detected accurately with specific

JTFA techniques and sufficiently powerful EEG amplifiers.

Feeding back activity at or near line current can be very important in

ameliorating or transforming particular clinical presentations.

"Electro-Smog" may be characterized by a particular Joint Time-Frequency

signature at or near the frequency value of line current in the environment

in which the symptoms manifest.

 

 

What Are The Fundamentals of EEG And Clinical Neurofeedback: The Period 3

Approach Provides An Interesting Answer

Brown, Valdeane W., Ph.D.

Foundations Course

Neurofeedback continues to evolve rapidly, in fact, it is probably more

appropriate to consider the changes in this field to represent a revolution

rather than an evolution. Due to these factors, the question of fundamental

training comes even more sharply into focus. What is the set of ideas,

techniques, theory and know-how that are essential for providing this life

changing technology to others? It is clear that extensive training in

neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and a host of other fields is not essential to

effective practice. Although such approaches continue to be promulgated,

their specificity is mutually exclusive, contradictory and even arbitrary;

however, despite their patent or obvious distinctions, there is little

discernible difference in measurable outcomes among these partitive

perspectives. They all do fairly well with their target symptoms, disorders

or goals and considerably less well with everything else. Clearly a new

paradigm is called for - one that is easily accessible by the average

practitioner, that does not require memorization of the useless arcanca of

academia, and that offers a simple yet comprehensive approach to clinical

neurofeedback. The Period 3 Approach offers just this breakthrough and will

be used as the backdrop for introducing you to the remarkable benefits that

the field of clinical neurofeedback has to offer to your clients. Based on

the insights of Non-Linear, Dynamical (or NLD) Control theory and

sophisticated analyses of specific EEG frequencies and their clinical

correlates, the Period 3 Approach is the one approach that can be used

across the entire range of disorders that you are likely to encounter in

your clinical practice. You will learn:

The EEG correlates of consciousness and its modifications and perturbations

The role that can be played by NLD control mechanisms and how this paradigm

simplifies and increases your clinical efficacy and efficiency

How to use static, dynamic and dynamical thresholds

How a more comprehensive filtering schema makes your job easier, while also

maximizing the clinical response of the client

How to fractionate clients between states to increase both resilience and

flexibilty in their EEG and how this leads their symptoms to just drop away

Goals:

1. To describe the structure and specifics of the Period 3 Approach

2. To describe the role of resilence and flexibility in symptom resolution

3. To describe the differences between static, dynamic and dynamical

thresholds

4. To describe the EEG correlates in consciousness

 

Non-Duality Practices and Neurofeedback: Timeless Spiritual Transformation

in the 21st Century

By Valdeane W. Brown, Ph.D.

4 hour workshop (but I would greatly prefer an 8 hour format as it will

increase the experiential value for participants)

Many spiritual practices attempt to educe a discrete state or ability in the

client. Various forms of "relaxation techniques" have been used, including

biofeedback and neurofeedback-based procedures, in order to assist this

process. Other approaches use neurofeedback-based procedures to facilitate

access to different transformative states such as "Alpha-Theta" and "Global

Synchrony", among many others. Almost all of these practices are based,

however, on the concept of educing a particular access strategy, of

convergence point, or desired state for the client. Moreover, the theories

that underlie these various practices tend to be either more "religious" in

character or more "scientific" and lacking in experienced connection to

spirituality even when they are effective and compelling.

Non-Duality practices are derived from traditional Buddhist practices and

are based on the fundamental concepts of "Profound Emptying" as I like to

call it (traditionally known as sunyata, wu-wei or "The Great Death"),

compassion, release of suffering and the causes of suffering, as well as

full access to the present. The term Non-Duality is used to indicate that

all distinctions, all antinomies, all personal attachments, as well as all

ego-defining activities and meaning are suspended through Surrendering to

the practices, leaving one to experience "Profound Emptying" or "The Dark

Night of Soul" as St. John of the Cross would say.

This workshop will allow participants a chance to experience these practices

both in traditional and neurofeedback-assisted forms, as well as to learn

how to integrate them into your own clinical work.

Goals:

1. Experience a variety of Non-Duality practices especially Surrendering.

2. Understand the role of comprehensive approaches to Neurofeedback in

promoting Non-Duality practices.

 

Questions:

1. Non-Duality refers to practices that transcend and "pre"-scend all

distinctions. T/F

2. Neurofeedback using Comprehensive Portals can help clients access

Non-Duality. T/F

3. The transformative frame and personal practice of the clinician/guide is

nopt particularly relevant to facilitating Non-Duality practices. T/F

4. Tonglen is an active form of Surrendering. T/F

5. Tonglen is an active form of Discernment. T/F

6. Global Synchrony is a distinct EEG signature that must be trained using

synchrony-based measures. T/F

7. Proufound Spiritual Transformation is always accompanied by a strong

"Felt Sense" of suffering or release from suffering as experienced by the

client. T/F

 

Post conference Three Day Workshop Feb 12-14

Untying the Knots: Non-Linear Possibilities for Personal Transformation

 

Presented by Valdeane W. Brown, Ph.D. & Susan Cheshire Brown, Ph.D.

Zengar Institute in conjunction with FutureHealth is pleased to announce

that it will be offering a 3 day course Untying the Knots: Non-Linear

Possibilities for Personal Transformation, February 12-14 in Miami after the

FutureHealth Conference

 

Neurofeedback is a powerful technology that can promote profound personal

transformation; however, that potential can be compromised by lack of

clinical awareness and skill on the part of the practitioner. Conversely,

its potential can be greatly enhanced by the addition of various other

approaches and techniques, including many that are based on more typical

modalities like therapeutic dialogue. This course will present several of

the important approaches and techniques that have been used to promote

personal transformation, both alone and in the context of Neurofeedback.

This course will go far beyond only presenting information re: Clinical

Neurofeedback, the skills, methods and approaches presented in this course

form a fundamental part of the overall Period 3 Approach to CNS Functional

Transformation. It will cover those aspects of the overall "container" that

are vital for a vibrant and effective neurofeedback practice.

Traditional therapeutic models have focused on bringing clients to a

conscious awareness and understanding of the various intrapsychic and

interpersonal dynamics that underlie, contribute to or maintain targeted

problematic behavior and experience. From a Cognitive-Behavioral

perspective, for instance, the client is taught to look for the prototypical

cognitive patterns that persist across situations whereas, from a Family

Systems perspective, the client is taught to observe the use of triangulated

communications and interactions. While useful in many ways, these approaches

are both too specific and too non-specific to be easily adopted.

In this course we will explore the specifics sets of distinctions that

maintain communication patterns and personal identity, with a view to

discovering how to maximally shift those patterns, while simultaneously

maximizing client comfort with the process of transformation. The

fundamental organizing principle of this approach concerns the role of

self-generated constrictions in existential possibility. These constrictions

are typically incarnated quite literally through the use of the word "Not"

in statements of deeply experienced identity. The specific role of

information processing in the central nervous system, and its

psychophysiological correlates, will be discussed. Participants will learn

to recognize the basic pre-cursors to emotion and will learn how to utilize

nuanced interventions to shift from negative to positive emotional states.

This is the overall way in which you will come to learn to untie your own

knots.

Particular techniques to be learned include:

The Fundamental question of a Solution-Oriented Rapid Therapeutic approach

The use of temporal-based distinctions to promote change

The existential distinctions and their applications for change

The Four Distinctions of Nagarjuna and their use in personal transformation

Pro-active use of Association, Dissociation, and Fractionation of states

The "Give Them The Finger" technique for disrupting trauma

The Miracle Question

The role of Non-Linear, Dynamical and Quantum Physical Models

 

 

You will also learn the historical underpinnings of these approaches and

techniques as seen through the lens of Buddhist Psychology. From that core

perspective it becomes clear to see that remaining the same - especially

when that involves suffering - requires great precision and energy from the

one who suffers. Transformation on the other hand, is liberating and

releases energy - but only when one has learned how to untie the knots and

allow for non-linear possibilities of change.

This course if oriented to providing fundamental skills, methods and

approaches that underlie the Period 3 Approach to Clinical Neurofeedback. It

comprises one part of the overall Clinical certification process in that

approach. However, the course is also appropriate for clinicians who do not

currently use, nor anticipate using, Neurofeedback within their applied

settings.

The course will run from 10 AM - 6 PM each day.

Registrations can by faxed to (631) 473-3811.

For further information please send email to val@neurofeed.com.

Zengar Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association to

offer continuing education for psychologists. Zengar Institute maintains

responsibility for the program

Explorations in Neurotheology

 

Thomas Budzynski, Ph.D. and Helen Kogan Budzynski, Ph.D.

University of Washington

General: Recent MRI investigations have focused on the delineation of the parts of the human brain involved in certain transcendent experiences such as Tibetan meditation that produces a "oneness with the universe" feeling. Other research has begun to examine interventions that may be able to generate such brain states such as Michael Persinger’s work with lateralized electromagnetic stimulation. This workshop will discuss this background research as well as recent results obtained with combinations of electromagnetic stimulation, hemifield photic stimulation and neurofeedback procedures. Participants will be able to try these procedures.

Finally, participants will receive an excellent list of notes, abstracts and references on this important and exciting area that could be considered a natural extension of the Decade of the Brain.

Selected References

Damasio, A.R. (1999). The Feeling of What Happens: Body and Emotion in the Making of Consciousness. New York: Harcourt Brace & Co.

Jaynes, J. (1976). The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Kazanovskaya, I.A. (1995). Influence of lateralizized brain photostimulation on the dynamics of interhemispheric asymmetry. Human Physiology, 20, 249-255.

Newberg, A., D’Aquili, E. & Rause, V. (2001). Why God Won’t Go Away. New York: Ballantine Books.

Novak, P. (1997). The Division of Consciousness: The Secret Afterlife of the Human Psyche. Charlottsville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing.

Schiffer, F. (1998). Of Two Minds: The Revolutionary Science of Dual-Brain Psychology. New York: The Free Press.

Schwartz, G.E., & Russek, L.G.S. (1999). The Living Energy Universe. Charlottsville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing.

Walsch, N.D. (1995). Conversations with God: An Uncommon Dialogue. Charlottsville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing.

 

 

 

 

 

30 minute talk

Short and Long-Term AVS (Audio-Visual Stimulation) Effects in an Alzheimer’s Patient as Documented by QEEG and LORETA

 

Thomas Budzynski, Ph.D. and Leslie Sherlin, B.A.

 

Introduction: Audio-Visual Stimulation (AVS) can induce a frequency-following response in the EEG as measured on the scalp (Budzynski, et al. (1999), but can AVS produce changes in the subcortical areas of the brain of an Alzheimer’s patient? The new technique known as LORETA (Low Resolution Brain Electromagnetic Tomography) was used to determine deeper structure involvement and to compare that with QEEG results from the surface. Follow-up QEEGs and LORETA analyses will determine if a training program of 30 AVS sessions plus intermittent home use results in extended effects over a longer period.

Method: A baseline QEEG (eyes open, eyes closed and serial sevens challenge) was followed by 20 minutes of AVS (a pseudorandom protocol with a frequency range of 9 to 22 Hz) during which a second eyes closed QEEG was taken. This was followed by a third QEEG right after stimulation and then a fourth after 15 minutes of rest following termination of the AVS. A final AVS was taken after the patient completed 30 sessions of daily use of the 20 minute AVS protocol over a six-week period. Two follow-up QEEGs were performed in the year following the 30 day training.

Results: The analyses included QEEG spectral investigation as well as LORETA analysis. Considerable agreement was found between the QEEG spectral values and LORETA density values in deeper structures. For example, the QEEG spectral analysis showed the AVS stimulation decreased delta at T3 during stimulation and 15 minutes afterward and then after the 30 session training some 12 weeks later. The LORETA showed a decrease in delta in the left temporal, Brodmann Area 42 and in the superior temporal gyrus temporal lobe after the AVS and then after the 30 session training. Results from the follow-up QEEGs and the LORETAs derived from them will be discussed.

Conclusions: The AVS appears to produce improvement in the current density of various brain regions that are involved in Alzheimer’s Disease progression. The results appear as

 

 

early as the first AVS stimulation period and last through the continuation of the 30 session training period with no or minimal decrease in results. The QEEG results generally agree with the LORETA but, of course, do not delineate the deeper structure condition. The results of the follow-ups will help determine if the AVS effects hold up even as the Alzheimer’s progression occurs.

 

 

References

Budzynski, T., Jordy, J., Budzynski, H., Tang, H., & Claypoole, K. (1999). Academic performance enhancement with photic stimulation and EDR feedback. Journal of Neurotherapy, 3, 11-21.

Nova Tech EEG, Inc. Knoxville, TN (provided the programs to generate LORETA figures and images).

Affiliations

Thomas Budzynski, Ph.D. is an Affiliate Professor at the University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Email: tbudzyn@cs.com

Leslie Sherlin, B.A. is at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN

Email: LeslieSherlin@aol.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description of workshop:

HYLA CASS, M. D. 1608 Michael Lane, Pacific Palisades, Ca., 90272

e-mail: Hyla@CassMD.com website: www. cassmd.com

Brain Optimizing Nutrients & Herbs

Specific supplement can be used for enhancing mood, memory, and mental performance, and to forestall aging-induced deterioration of mental functioning. These vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbs are also useful in treating such conditions as depression, anxiety, and ADD, where they correct the underlying metabolic imbalances. These nutrients may be combined with neurofeedback for optimal results.

Goals: To inform participants about the use of specific supplements for :

1. enhancing mood, memory and overall mental functioning.

2. protection of the aging brain

3. correcting the metabolic imbalances underlying many common psychiatric conditions

For physicians in your area call:

ACAM (Academy for the Advancement of Medicine) at 800/532-3688; www.ACAM.org;

Life Extension Foundation at 800/841-5433; www.LEF.org

International Society for Orthomolecular Medicine (ISOM): (416) 733-2117;

www. Orthomed.org

Biographical Data

 

Hyla Cass, M.D., is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, UCLA School of Medicine, and the author of the best-selling St. John's Wort: Nature's Blues Buster (Avery, 1998), Kava: Nature's Answer to Stress, Anxiety, and Insomnia (Prima, 1998) and All About Herbs (Avery, 1999), as well as numerous articles and book chapters. Her newest book, Natural Highs will be released in Spring 2002. Integrating nutritional medicine with psychiatry in her clinical practice, she has been treating patients successfully with a variety of supplements for many years. Her areas of expertise include stress reduction, women's health (including natural hormone therapy), and natural treatments for ADD, ADHD, addictions, anxiety disorders, and depression.

A noted speaker, consultant, and educator in the areas of complementary medicine, psychiatry, and personal growth, Dr. Cass is also a corporate and media consultant, and contributes to numerous books and journals.. A graduate of the University of Toronto School of Medicine, she interned at Los Angeles County - USC Medical Center, and completed a psychiatric residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center/UCLA. Her website is www.CassMD.com.

Original mind: the brain's search for its quantum roots (neurotheology panel)

Al Collins

Principles of multichannel neurofeedback

Thomas F. Collura, Ph.D., P.E.

BrainMaster Technologies, Inc.

24490 Broadway Ave.

Oakwood Village, OH 44146

440 232-6000

BrainMaster Technologies, Inc.

Neurofeedback has traditionally been built upon a single-channel model for training. Both monopolar and bipolar derivations have been used, but the EEG has typically been restricted to one channel. This talk will discuss the emerging use of two and more channels for neurofeedback training. A variety of methods are available, and each has its own values and limitations. The topics to be addressed include coherence (increasing and decreasing), two-channel protocols, channel summation and subtraction, and asymmetry protocols. The mathematical expressions for these methods will be presented, and used to explain the resulting training effects. After an initial didactic presentation, a panel will discuss specific approaches and techniques.

Thomas F. Collura, Ph.D., P.E.

BrainMaster Technologies, Inc.

This workshop will provide a hands-on view of advanced techniques using the BrainMaster EEG training system. After a brief but thorough review of basic operation, the following topics will be covered: Designing custom studies, Two-channel protocols, advanced use of sound feedback, coherence training, saving and replaying EEG, performing assessments, and post-session data analysis. Workshop attendees will benefit from prior exposure to the basics of using the BrainMaster system.

Tom Collura is founder and President of BrainMaster Technologies, Inc, Oakwood Village Ohio, where he conducts research and development of EEG neurofeedback systems for clinical and home use. He received an AB in Philosophy of Science and an Sc.B. in Biology from Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island (1973), and an MS and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio (1978). He is a registered professional engineer in Ohio and Illinois. He served on the technical staff of AT&T Bell Laboratories from 1978 to 1987, where he supervised silicon integrated circuit technology development and multiuser computer systems engineering. He was on staff with the Department of Neurology, The Cleveland
Clinic Foundation, from 1987 to 1996, where he developed systems for invasive EEG recording and analysis for epilepsy diagnosis and surgical planning and monitoring. He has also served as a consultant to industry in the areas of computerized tomography, digital signal processing, automated radiometry, and electrophysiological telemetry. His current interests focus on the neurophysics of the mind/brain boundary, development of EEG feedback systems, and the use of volitional and nonvolitional techniques for brain modification with applications in neurotherapy, consciousness development, and personal improvement.

Thomas F. Collura, Ph.D., P.E.
BrainMaster Technologies, Inc.
24490 Broadway Ave.
Oakwood Village, OH 44146
440 232-6000
fax 440 232-7171

The Role of Neurofeedback in the Attention Economy:  Increasing the Supply of the Scarcest Resource

 Jonathan D. Cowan

             The scarcest resource in present day organizations is the attention of their employees. This is the essential thesis of "The Attention Economy: Understanding the New Currency of Business", recently named one of the top 10 business books of the year by Amazon.com.  The book was written by two noted Accenture (formerly Arthur Andersen) consultants, Drs. Thomas Davenport and John Beck, and published by the Harvard Business School Press.  The book has been well promoted, and the ideas are gaining widespread acceptance. 

 Economic systems are typically based on the competition for scarce resources.  Most of the book discusses various techniques for competing for the attention of others.  The authors also suggest a breakdown of attention into various subtypes and present a method for modeling these types as they relate to a particular task.  Davenport and Beck state that brainwaves would probably be the best way to measure attention, but they do not suggest any way to increase the supply of attention.

 Neurofeedback offers a new technological approach that can increase the supply of attention.  If it is properly presented to corporations as a performance enhancement tool--not in a medical or therapeutic context--there should be a huge market for this combination of product and service.  The recent downsizing of many corporations, which increases the demands on the attention of the remaining employees, also increases the need for training that enhances efficiency and optimizes performance.

Jonathan D. Cowan, Ph.D., is the President and Chief Technical Officer of NeuroTek, LLC.  He has developed the Peak Achievement Trainer specifically for performance enhancement training in athletic, corporate, military and educational contexts.  He is actively involved in developing new Peak Achievement Training programs for these markets. 

WS2 Peak Performance Training Through Neurofeedback:  New and Powerful Approached                                                               

                                                            Jonathan D. Cowan, Ph.D.

             The optimal approach to optimizing performance is to analyze and improve it on a moment to moment basis.  We have now developed a neurofeedback method with the precision necessary to actually measure concentration and alertness separately at every moment during the performance of an athletic, study, or work activity, as well as to train the underlying skills.  We have also found that it is possible to train the user by providing feedback during their visualization of performance, thereby eliminating problems produced by movement artifacts. 

            In this workshop, I will explain and demonstrate seven different but complementary types of training which are possible using the Peak Achievement Trainer:

1.      Strengthening the ability of the Executive Attention Network to focus attention.

2.      Strengthening the ability of the midbrain to intensify alertness/arousal.

3.      Train the user to take brief, relaxing microbreaks which recharge the brain.

4.      Find the best possible degree of alertness/arousal to perform particular activities optimally.

5.      Perform arbitrary sequences of  concentration, alertness, and microbreaks.

6.      Discover and enhance performance of the sequences which are optimal for particular activities.

7.      Perform these sequences despite distractions such as self-talk and crowd noise. 

Frances Fox

Frances Fox will introduce her maps of an energetic infrastructure of conduits that correlates to conduits (nadis) that the mind flows through. She discovered these conduits while using her remote viewing skills to diagnose and heal children with cerebral palsy, autism, ADD and ADHD. After mapping dozens of individuals she found that ADD appears to be an expansion

of the conduits that allows the individual to more fully operate outside of the physical dimension that today's Western society understands. The condition of ADD and ADHD she found to be a form of self-correction, the individuals' way to adjust to and conform with societies demands or his own fears. That adjustment or self correction brings with it the usual array of dysfunctions that ADD individuals are known for.

Ordinarily the filaments of this energetic infrastructure extend straight out, allowing the flow of the energy and information in the mind to be uninterrupted and smooth. The filaments of the mind of an individual with ADD are kinked, causing the flow of energy and information to become disjointed, erratic. She will show the mapping of an individual before taking Ritalin, while under the influence of the drug and as the Ritalin wears off. The maps show how the filaments change under the different conditions.

Title and abstract of the talk:

Uwe Gerlach, Germany

We are specialized in and have long-time experience with both types of techniques mentioned in the title.

Often it is inevitable to provoke abreactions in trauma therapy, especially if the trauma is severe. Entering and staying at the crossover frenqencies in Alpha/Theta avoids retraumatization.

Fortunately with EEG feedback we have a guidance tool which acts as a mirror for the single steps of trauma therapy. From Valdeane Brown's research we know that abreactions which should be avoided are in the brainwave range of 3 to 6 Hz.

Our goal with patients is to train the alpha/theta 8 Hz crossover region and hold the client during the session in the hypnagogic state for at least say twenty minutes. It is a matter of fact that many clients fall into sleep instead of staying in the hypnagogic state.

This means that both the therapist and client often need lots of sessions until the optimal conditions for crossover states are realized.

The problem is that resistance against trauma release in normal consciousness is great and contraproductive. Using light/sound sessions and "breath walk" makes it easier to "soften" the resistance. The client can exercise these techniques without the guidance of the therapist. Lots of "sessions" can be done by the client without any therapist-client date or schedule. In addition

lots of "small" release experiences may happen in spontaneous ways: at home during dream periods, walking in leisure-periods etc.

Last year at Miami and before at Palm Springs we presented theory and practice of the walking and breathing exercise. In a workshop we show how to conduct suited light/sound sessions and we repeat the most important features of the "breath walk" technique.

___________________________________________

Uwe Gerlach

Many of you already have some experience with light/sound. It is one of the most famous non -verbal method to get quick stress relief. In general, light/sound isn't used for therapeutic purpose. On the other hand it can accelerate the healing process on an unconscious level. We'll describe in more detail during the workshop how this psycholocical mechanism works. As

it helps to understand the mechanism, we repeat the main features of the "breath walk" technique:

1) Let me show you how to walk, follow my way to do it, "pace" me, you know what I mean from NLP knowledge. After you have my pace, watch and listen to my breath, do it the same way.

2) the air should be in- and exhaled with permanent consciousness "totally" til the lungs are naturally felt fully or emptily, the breathing rhythm dominated by the walking rhythm. The latter should go into the rhythm of a march.

3) The center of consciousness gradually falls down to the "hara". The two types of breathing (chest and diaphragm) should be used simultaneously.

4) There is no conversation between therapist and client(s) except the necessary communications. 5) In general the training must take place in a lonely nature (park, field or wood) region. Be aware of the fact that in pure nature we are surrounded by the dominant frequency 7.8 Hertz which facilitates the desired crossing of thresholds of normal consciousness.

6) People who don`t take part, are not "present", no contact recommended.

7) No extra climbing, because the superfluous oxygen is needed for "crossing the threshold of normal consciousness".

8) Half an hour later we return to our workshop room. We get and collect impressions about what experiences we went through. We discuss it.

9) Immediately after return we measure our person from above on the 1-channel EEG. If we are lucky, this person has had intense experiences, so we should see marked differences of the relative spectral amplitudes to those before the exercise.

Be aware of the fact that this is only the beginning of a training.

Nevertheless some of you already succeeded in jumping into another reality, I suppose a vivid, relaxed and sensual intense reality which is worthwile to be explored more often. Maybe some of you go through some strange, may even be anxious moments. Don`t worry that`s natural, you know as a therapist that anxiousness is always accompanying experiences on a new territory.

As a therapist you should know some psychological facts how this method works and initiates the healing process - we`ll talk about it in detail during the workshop:

- similar to our dreamworld during sleep the reality we enter after passing the threshold is totally different from our normal world. This fact is not evident for beginners, but the altered consciousness has ist own laws which shouldn`t be confused with normal laws. We feel more vivid, it is a drug-like world, but we experience ourselves very vital, totally positive and gay. The usual defence mechanisms are weakened - if somebody is phobic she/he may come near traumatic events; now the intensity of the exercise should be reduced; ask the person whether she/he is able to continue or better sit down and make a pause; continue as soon as

possible

- unlike the strategy in Stan Grofs holotropic breathwork it is not the definite goal to go deeply into the abreactions; it may happen or not; let the client decide

- more important is to repeat the training several times a week during a period of several months; maybe you know that it is difficult to remember the insights gained in an altered state of consciousness and to transport its logic into the normal mind; an often repeated training helps to fix the insights for use in usual reality

- you as a skilled therapist should know how to interpret dreamlife; if there are few abreactions, an amount of the psychic energy of the healing process goes into dreamlife; here the classical psychoanalytic therapy helps a lot; as the defence mechanisms are weakened, the problems of resistance are of minor importance; be aware of the phenomena of psychological transfer!!

________________________________________

Brief bio - Dr. Uwe Gerlach, Germany:

Today I'm 57 years old, my profession formerly was physicist.

My normal career was in the field of materials science. I did a lot of scientific research and worked many years as a materials engineer.

My second career began in the early 80's with a severe sickness consisting of a deep depression and phobias. I cured them with the aid of bodily centered psychotherapy (holotropic breathwork) and two years of daily deep relaxation training. The relaxation methods were breathwork, floatation tank and sauna. In addition to psychotherapy I experienced transpersonal phenomena and spiritual transformation similar to descriptions of Stanislav Grof.

Since 1990 I am a pioneering part of the Megabrain movement in Germany. I wrote three books around these topics and became an expert of brain technology. From 1991 til today, I offer mental training workshops assisted by light and sound technology. Many workshops take place

in great holiday clubs. In the past four years I became interested in neurofeedback and studied its main structure and its actual state-of-the-art. Four years ago I founded my own company "info-brain" in collaboration with medical doctors and trainers experienced in light and sound technology. In 98 I wrote a third book about the whole field of neurofeedback dedicated to lay people.

Jay Gunkelman

In his book "The Mystery of the Mind" (Princeton University Press, 1975),

Dr. Wilder Penfield explores the quandary of the mind/brain question... this

is one of life's most intriguing questions. These two inter-related systems

are the basis of most of the Neurofeedback interventions. In phenomena like

Intention, Attention and Motivation, the Mind's function is seen, with the

Brain's function being regulated by the more primary function of the mind.

How does the mind control the brain? Is "attention" even present in the

EEG's A.C signal?... or is it a D.C. related system? Can you measure

intention without a response?? Can the D.C. system be trained to turn on

or off the brain's A.C. system?

In this talk I will attempt to answer these questions, and to link the

acupuncture points, meridian system, the body and brain's direct current

(D.C.) system and the brain's EEG (A.C.) function... as well as the concepts

of slow cortical potential training for epilepsy and the cortical

distribution of evoked potential data.

These topics will be discussed, with a model of mind/brain being proposed...

with data being presented to tie all this to actual brain electrical signal

processing.

Jay Gunkelman

When the brain is injured in a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), there are predictable changes which occur. This workshop will focus on these short term as well as the longer term changes in the EEG/qEEG following head injuries.

The difference in EEG changes between White Matter damage and Gray Matter damage, the DC changes associated with laceration/contusion, Contra-Coup damage, and the coherence and comodulation changes will be covered. 

QEEGs will be used to illustrate these issues, and NF protocols will be discussed.

WS  The Pathophysiology and QEEG of ADD/ADHD, Tourette's Syndrome, Depression,

Anxiety, and OCD/ODD (2 Hours)

Jay Gunkelman

The brain's function and dysfunction will be discussed, with the neurological systems identified for each of these disorders, including a discussion of the physiological basis of their co-morbidities. The neural networks and pathways involved, and the various qEEG profiles associated with these disorders will be covered.

In the area of neurophysiology there is much data with little knowledge, much knowledge with little understanding, and much understanding with little wisdom... come to this workshop and get lots of knowledge, some understanding and a dabbling of wisdom about the brain's function.

 

Transcendental Consciousness-_Referencing the Unified Field to create

Macroscopic Quantum Coherence in the Brain

Russell Hebert

Main Points for thirty minute talk

1)      Presentation of Unified Field Chart used in all of Maharishi’s Consciousness-based educational programs. Paralleling unified field of physics and meditation (Illustration 1)

2)      Macroscopic quantum coherence in nature “Reflections of the unified field” showing broad scale unified phase-locked interconnectedness.. Characteristics of global coherence in lasers and superconductors (Illustration 2,3) Quantum coherence in biological systems (quote from Satinover).

3)      Consciousness behaves as a field (quote from E. Roy John) based on phase-locked events. Are these events reflections of the unified field? There has been reluctance because consciousness has been looked at using eyes closed as the ground state.

4)      Ground state, excited states in the brain: The ground state of the consciousness field in the brain Roy’s definition- under eyes closed awake conditions- common mode resonance all frequencies, between .45 and .60..
The reason that the CMR  values do not reach mathematical unity or ONE is there is cognitive activity present in eyes closed conditions. (show power spectra, attenuation of alpha, VARETA article, Illustration 4)

5)      In TM research the characteristics show a better reflection of broad scale cortical coherence and interconnectedness. The reason is that there is no cognitive activity in transcending.

6)      TM Research:

 Coherence spectral arrays (illustration 5, Levine)

 Episodic coherence during tc (Illustration 6, Farrow)

Hypersynchrony in theta and alpha (Illustration 7 Lehmann)

Coherence QEEG comparisons (Illustration 8, Hudspeth database)

Phase QEEG comparisons (Illustration 10, Hudspeth Lifespan database)

Broad-scale alpha-theta database comparisons.(Illustration 11, Sterman database)

7)      Functional connectivity: Recent indications that lower cortical interconnectedness (lower values of Global Field Synchronization) at specific frequencies is related to mental disorders. (Quote from Koenig) (Illustration of GFS, 12).

8)      Inducing high levels of GFS in the “ground state” may improve mental health.

9)      Capturing wholeness: how to induce quantum-like functioning? Lower activity (temp) or stimulate through quantum jiggling. Bottom-up or top-down TM definition, lowest level of activity yet conscious (Graphic of waves during TM, Illustration 13)

10)   Referencing the unified field: self referral nature of consciousness. Functional connectivity (high). Is the theta-alpha synchronization a mechanism for restoring cortical interconnectedness?

11) Implications:  a method of restoring normal connectiveness in self-referral consciousness, improving mental health. Enlivening total brain function vs partial brain functioning for enhancing alertness and memory.  Self interacting dynamics of consciousness brings self repair and

homeostasis for health.

 

Brain wave frequencies and levels of consciousness

What can we learn from altered states?

Erik Hoffmann, Research Director, Ph.D.
Mental Fitness & Research Center 
Symbion Science Park, Copenhagen, Denmark
E_hoffmann@vip.cybercity.dk

A model is presented which relates different brainwave frequencies to different levels of consciousness and their associated brainstructures. The model proposes that delta waves are associated with deep brain structures such as the brainstem and are rela­ted to the physical body and its survival functions. This is a deep level of uncon­sci­ous­­ness operating at all times but most evident in humans during deep sleep which is character­ized by delta waves (.5-4Hz). We call this level 1st- line, survival conscious­ness. Another level of consciousness reflected by theta waves (4-8Hz) and related to limbic structures is associated with emotional functioning. This 2nd- line conscious­ness is also uncon­scious or subconscious and is the dominant state of functioning during altered states such as the hypnagogic state, trance states and strong emotional release. Alpha waves (8-13Hz) are related to the cerebral cortex and to conscious awareness. They are usually most prominent in the posterior cortex but may spread to the whole brain during meditation and alpha wave training. Alpha waves reflect what we call 3rd- line, cognitive consciousness. Finally, at the top level is the frontal cortex the seat of thinking, plan­­ning and volitional motor control. The frontal cortex often shows very little alpha and a predo­minance of beta waves (13-36Hz). This top level we call 4th-line, thinking con­scious­­­ness. Thus our model depicts four levels of consciousness each associated with a specific brain wave frequency. During normal conscious states alpha and beta activity tend to prevail while the slower frequencies, delta and theta, are enhanced during altered states of consciousness. However all types of brain waves will usually be present to some degree in any state. 
In order for the individual to be a whole person with full reactivity and experiential capacity, he must be properly connected to the deeper parts of his brain and thus have access to all four levels of consciousness. This may be what we see in spiritually evolved persons who, according to Maxwell Cade and Anna Wise, show high levels of both delta, theta, alpha and low beta activity indicating a high degree of awareness at all levels of consciousness.My own research has demonstrated how subjects in an alpha/theta state during hypnosis, deep medita­tion and ayahuasca-induced trance states can get access to 2nd-line consciousness and its repressed feelings and memories. I have also demonstrated how 2nd- and even 1st-line, conscious­ness may take complete control of the individual during feeling release therapy and during sexual orgasm. 
A number of overheads will be presented showing brainmaps of altered states of consciousness during feeling release, sexual orgasm and ayahuasca-induced trance states.

You’ve gone through the training and bought NF equipment. Now what?! This practice development workshop offers an easy approach to the fundamental basics of a successful NF practice and is designed for new and established clinicians alike. A manual I developed for a clinician support group I started in my area significantly increased success for anyone who followed it. We’ll go through the manual, step-by-step, find out how to do gorilla marketing on a budget, how to present a NF lecture or initial client consultation so that clients, parents and children want to come back, and tons of useful ideas, contacts, websites, forms, and articles to get you well on your way. Can everyone say ‘waiting list’? Gay Larned, PhD, has opened several ADD Centers and is as passionate about teaching techniques for a successful practice as she is about the practice of NF with her clients.

Gay Larned, PhD, is a licensed clinical social worker and has a doctorate in social psychology. After a successful family counseling practice for over 25 years. she changed her practice exclusively to neurofeedback in 1995. Dr. Larned initiated a monthly support group for clinicians in her area and is as passionate about teaching business and marketing techniques for a successful practice as she is about sharing NF with children and families at her ADD Centers. In 1996 she wrote the foreword to Everyone Wins! Non-Competitive Party Games and Activities for Children (Jody L. Blosser, Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.) and was appointed to a Governor's Commission, State of Connecticut, in recognition of her innovative work with families.

Plenary Talk Title: "Successful Neurofeedback with ADHD Children Depends on their

Speaker: Michael Linden, Ph.D. - Director ADD Treatment Centers

Abstract: Difficult parents who may have ADD themselves can leed to marital conflict, poor communication, forgetting appointments and parenting difficulties. These problems can all interfere with parents supporting the Neurofeedback process.

This talk will discuss how to assess family dynamics and perform family, marital and individual therapy to improve the results of Neurofeedback therapy with children & adolescents with ADHD.

Workshop - 4 hrs.

Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (LORETA): A Powerful Method for Visualizing Intracortical Generators of Surface EEG - Applications for Evaluation of Attentional Disorders, Depression, Autistic Disorders, and Other Psychiatric Disorders

Presenter: Joel F. Lubar, Ph.D.

University of Tennessee

Southeastern Biofeedback and Neurobehavioral Institute

LORETA (Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography) was developed by Roberta Domingo, Marquis Pascal in the mid 1990's. This technique is based on the best of the inverse solutions which allows quantification and visualization of intracortical activity including paleocortical activity derived from scalp electrodes. Areas that can be evaluated include the cingulate gyrus, orbital-frontal medial and lateral cortices, subcalossal-septal area, parahippocampal gyrus and possibility regions associated with the amygdala. This regions can be identified for any EEG band pass, many sampling rates and visualized on standardized MRI sections. The method divides the cortex into 2,394 7 x 7 x 7 millimeter voxels (cubes). The inverse solution can be obtained from 19 electrodes and is very comparable to that obtained with denser surface electrode arrays. With LORETA it is possible to look at individual verus group differences or group versus group differences with appropriate statistical comparisons.

In this workshop I will demonstrate the advantages of LORETA, show how data can be very accurately artifact rejected and analyzed with LORETA with direct demonstrations of the technique. I will illustrate different disorders and show relationships between LORETA images and quantitative EEG. I will present some background theory and the assumptions that this technique employs in a benign non or very lightly mathematical way.

Recently LORETA has been co-validated or co-registered with MRI and PET scan findings. This is very important since LORETA is a technique that neurotherapists can learn to use and is compatible with ASCII files, Lexicor DAT files and probably many other EEG formats. The technique is easy to use and produces rapid image formation. Since LORETA is new there are many questions that need to be explored. I would like to invite meaningful interaction to help move this new technique further along and to show how it is useful in extending our ability to evaluate and treat a variety of disorders employing neurofeedback techniques.

Advanced Lecture

Title: New Methods for Precise Artifact Rejection of Multi-channel EEG for More Accurate QEEG and LORETA Analysis

Presenter: Joel F. Lubar, Ph.D.

University of Tennessee

Southeastern Biofeedback and Neurobehavioral Institute

A very major problem in quantitative EEG analysis is the problem of artifacts such as those arising from eye movements, blinks, facial tics, head movements, respiratory artifacts, tongue movement, swallowing and many others that can significantly compromise the accuracy of quantitative EEG evaluations. Artifacts in the lower frequencies can often lead to misinterpretation of data in that the results appear to have more slow activity than is actually apparent. In this lecture I will demonstrate a new technique that we have developed which allows one to very accurately remove all artifacts from the EEG record with the exception of continuous EMG contamination in a specific channel which still cannot be separated from background EEG accurately. However, there are considerations even regarding this, the most difficult of all artifacts to remove, that I will describe which may eventually lead to a methodology for that problem as well. Once data has been very accurately artifact Acleansed@ it allows accurate interpretation of quantitative EEG findings leading to more accurate diagnosis and separation of subtypes of specific disorders such as the multiple subtypes of attention deficit disorder or depressive disorders. I will show differences between conventional artifact rejection methods and this new artifact rejection technique and demonstrate the ease in which it is possible to obtain extremely clean records for EEG analysis. I will illustrate the results with case studies of different disorders employing both quantitative EEG and Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (LORETA).

Comprehensive Training and Demonstration Workshop on EEG Evaluation and Treatment of ADD/HD, Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, PTSD, Closed Head Injury and Other Disorders

 

Joel F. Lubar, Ph.D., University of Tennessee

Judith O. Lubar, LCSW-BCD, Southeastern Biofeedback and Neurobehavioral Institute

 

Introduction to EEG concepts

Meaning of EEG terminology and interpretation of signatures normal, and abnormal

Designation and meaning of different EEG signatures and their behavioral correlates

Distinction between raw EEG and QEEG

Reading Fourier transforms and power spectral analysis

Topographic brain maps

Artifacts which can contaminate EEG records: how to recognize them and minimize them, and demonstration of a new methodology for eliminating most artifact from the recordings

In class demonstration of Q-EEG Mapping and analysis, its strengths and limitations. Emphasis on interpreting data from the point of view of clarity of the signal and behavioral significance.

Procedures in initial assessment when doing QEEG

Preparation and interpretation of a multi-channel QEEG

Development of neurofeedback protocols based on QEEG analysis

Specific protocols for ADD/HD, seizures, depression, anxiety, alcohol/drug dependency, Tourette=s Syndrome and the treatment of affective disorders and others

Clinical Information, gathering for evaluation and assessment of success in neurofeedback.

Interview techniques that help the patient and their family to define and sometimes reframe goals in treatment

Rapid methods that help gather data on the clients and families personal histories, symptoms, and medication so that one can assess indications and counter-indications for success in neurofeedback

Developing a treatment program

Psychotherapy and biofeedback principles: Explaining to the patient the treatment rationale

Deciding on possible techniques to be used in conjunction with neurofeedback including psychotherapy, family therapy and hypnotherapy

Referential and bipolar montages: choosing the appropriate montage based on some characteristics of individual EEG

Differences in applicability for certain syndromes

Other neuroimagining methods B including LORETA

Monitoring drug treatment

Generalization of training

Graphing data for continuous evaluation and improvement with specific case histories illustrations

EEG graphs for different syndromes and specific therapeutic problems

Appropriate tests for evaluation of results

Case histories illustrating pre- and post treatment assessment in both EEG and auxiliary assessment and tests.

Putting it all together: Illustrative case histories which illustrates multiple interventions in addition to neurofeedback

 

WS2 Neurofeedback Session Techniques & Interactions which lead to successful cases.

Judith Lubar

Success in working with patients in neurofeedback happens in the context of a partnership between the therapist and the client. It Involves specific techniques which reveal to the patient why they need treatment, creates an appropriate climate of excitement toward creating change, and the trust and commitment to carry the change through. This workshop will emphasize specific techniques and successful therapist responses to a range of patient behaviors from passive aggressive, angry or challenging behaviors to despondent, lethargic and depressed behaviors and defeatist thinking which can occur within the session. The workshop will be a combination of didactic and experiential. Participants are encouraged to bring to the workshop specific cases they want to discuss.

 

The effects of scalar and electromagnetic waves on the human body and the environment. : Phase 1-2 prospective review of 127 patients .

Victor A. Marcial-vega, MD

www.healthhorizonsinc.com

An innovative program has been evaluated by the author that changes the electromagnetic environment of both the human body and the environment. It consists of 4 computers that are running a continous software program that seems to be creating scalar waves. Scalar waves are the waves that Tesla discovered that make the bridge between relativity and time and space reality. By promoting these waves, we have found changes in the human body including healing of diseases like blindness, chronic pain, chronic damage from trauma, diabetes and stroke. We have also observed a profound relaxation response and brain scans have showed symmetrical activation of brain activity. Different tests have been performed to evaluate the effects of this technology; blood(live cell analysis), brain scans, blood pressure and other tests will be discussed. Patients are reporting an increased sense of awareness that is permanent, an increase in perception and an enhanced ability to create reality. We are now using this technology as the most profound biofeedback device we have encountered. We are seeing an 85% rate of deep relaxation with this modality.

 

 

plenary session

Elimination Disorders and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndromes

Behavioral interventions assisted by multi-modality biofeedback

 Louise E. Marks, M.S., O.T.R., BCIAC  Biofeedback and EEG Neurofeedback

 

Irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation related to pelvic floor muscle dyssynergia, some pelvic pain syndromes, urinary frequency and hesitancy, and urinary urge incontinence are conditions likely to respond favorably to multi-modality biofeedback treatments.  A history of physical and sexual abuse are associated with pelvic floor muscle dysfunction (dyssynergia), severe IBS symptoms, and pelvic pain syndromes.  PET scans have shown that IBS patients have cerebral responses to bowel distention suggestive of hyper vigilance and a compromised ability to suppress bowel pain perception. Hypnosis has been shown to decrease severe IBS symptoms which leads one to ponder the role alpha/theta biofeedback, heart rate variability, and thermal biofeedback could play in the treatment of IBS, pelvic floor dyssynergia, pelvic pain, and selective urinary symptoms.  Biofeedback providers are encouraged to learn how to perform a surface EMG assessment of pelvic floor musculature to ascertain the effectiveness of other interventions.  Knowledge of pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation assisted by EMG biofeedback is also suggested to maximize positive treatment outcomes.

 

WS4 Elimination Disorders and Chronic Pelvic Floor Pain Syndromes

A Multimodality Approach

Louise E. Marks, M.S., O.T.R., CBCIA 

Biofeedback and EEG Neurofeedback Behavioral treatments for bowel and bladder disorders (fecal and urinary incontinence, chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, urinary hesitancy and frequency) and chronic pelvic pain syndromes, such as, vulvodynia and pelvic floor myalgia will be surveyed. 

Relevant anatomy and physiology of micturition and defecation will be covered, as well as, the details of conducting a standard, non-invasive, sEMG assessment of pelvic floor musculature using vaginal or rectal sensors. Treatment strategies for pelvic floor rehabilitation, normalization of bowel and bladder activity, and pain reduction will be explored using the mainstay of EMG and other biofeedback modalities (EEG, heart rate variability, thermal, respiration), and patient education regarding diet and toileting habit. The i