A Brief Guide
to EEG Brainwave Frequencies
Neurofeedback therapy, available in Mansfield and Norfolk
County, is a cutting-edge new approach to managing the symptoms of a wide
variety of disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
anxiety disorder, migraine headaches, and other psychological and pain
disorders. Neurofeedback therapy uses electroencephalography (EEG), in which
electrodes are attached to the scalp to measure the frequencies of electrical
oscillations generated by collections of cells in different regions of the
brain. Research has indicated that many conditions, including ADHD and anxiety,
are associated with abnormal brainwave frequencies in certain areas of the
brain that differ from those of “normal” individuals. Neurofeedback uses sound
and images, often in a video game like setup, to teach individuals to
consciously alter these frequencies to improve psychological or pain symptoms.
There are several types of brainwave frequencies, which are associated with
different states of consciousness and types of mental activity. These neural
oscillations are referred to as “brainwaves” because, when displayed as an EEG
reading or expressed using mathematical equations, they take the form of a
wave. There are alpha, beta, theta, gamma, and delta frequencies. This article
is a brief beginner’s guide to what these frequencies mean.
Alpha Brainwaves
Alpha waves are defined as neural oscillations that fall
within the frequency range of 7.5-12.5 Hz. Alpha waves are notably generated in
the occipital lobes, the region of the cortex at the back of the brain
associated with visual processing, when a person is awake with their eyes
closed. Alpha frequencies are associated with relaxation. Early work with EEG
neurofeedback was focused on training people to enter the “alpha state” more
easily. Alpha biofeedback has potential applications for treating depression,
as well as seizures. Some types of zen meditation are associated with increased
alpha waves. They are associated with a mentally restful state, as opposed to
active mental attention.
Beta Brainwaves
Beta brainwaves have frequencies ranging from 12.5 to 30 Hz.
Beta states, unlike alpha states, are associated with normal waking
consciousness and active mental attention. Neurofeedback therapy for ADHD involves
using EEG feedback to change from alpha to beta frequencies in certain areas of
the brain, including the prefrontal cortex, to increase attention and reduce
impulsiveness.
Delta Brainwaves
Delta brainwaves are high-amplitude, low-frequency
brainwaves that fall in the range of 0-4 Hz. Delta waves are most strongly
associated with deep non-REM stages of sleep, which is known as “slow-wave
sleep.” EEG studies of infants and young children have shown that infants spend
a lot of time in slow-wave sleep, and that even during wakefulness, children
from infancy to as old as five years produce delta waves. Disruptions of delta
states are implicated in a number of disorders. For example, in fibromyalgia,
research using EEG neuroimaging has revealed the presence of alpha wave
intrusion during sleep, when alpha waves appear when actually delta waves should
be predominant. This involvement of brainwave frequency in sleep in people with
fibromyalgia has led researchers to explore the potential of neurofeedback
therapy for treating this difficult and pervasive disorder. Another disorder
involving delta-wave dysregulation is schizophrenia. Reduced delta wave
activity during sleep, along with increased delta activity during wakefulness,
have been shown to correlate with negative symptoms of the disorder such as
amotivation, poverty of speech, and the inability to experience pleasure.
Disrupted delta wave activity is found in a wide range of other disorders,
including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and narcolepsy.
Theta Rhythms
Theta brainwave rhythms have frequencies of 4-7 Hz, and are
detectable with EEG sensors when emitted in the cortex. Cortical theta is most
common in young children. In adults, it often appears in drowsy or deeply
meditative states, though not in the deepest stages of sleep. It is associated
with REM sleep (rapid eye movement), which is when most dreams occur.
Gamma Brainwaves
Gamma frequencies range in frequency from 25-100 Hz.
Research into gamma waves has provided evidence that these frequencies may be
heavily involved in what we experience as subjective consciousness. These
frequencies have been observed in association with the coordination and
synchronization of different brain areas involved in conscious awareness,
notably visual awareness. Interestingly, EEG neuroimaging research involving
monks in meditative states have demonstrated a correlation between gamma
activity and transcendental states of consciousness. In a 2004 study, when
Tibetan monks were instructed to generate a sense of compassion, they
correspondingly generated rhythmic, coherent activity in the 25-40 Hz range.
Gamma synchrony may be involved in the bliss, compassion, and tranquility
associated with transcendental meditative states. Neurofeedback training may
one day be used to help train novice meditators to achieve these states of consciousness,
although scientists are still exploring the role of gamma waves in
consciousness.
Neurofeedback therapy in Mansfield works by using EEG
measurements of brainwave frequencies to help train people to learn to alter
their brainwave frequencies at will. Many psychological and pain disorders,
including ADHD, anxiety, and fibromyalgia, have been shown to involve
underlying brainwave dysregulation. Using neurofeedback therapy, you can
actually learn to change these frequencies at will. For example, a child in
Mansfield with ADHD may have excessive alpha activity in some brain areas, and
can be trained to change to beta frequencies associated with mental focus and
concentration. Neurofeedback therapy in Mansfield is an excellent therapy option,
and lacks many of the side effects associated with various medications.
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