One of the pioneers of advanced Neurofeedback, Dr. Siegfried Othmer, has joined Keith Kurlander and Dr. Will Van Derveer, Co-Founders of the Integrative Psychiatry Institute and Integrative Psychiatry Centers, in their podcast “The Higher Practice Podcast for Optimal Mental Health”. Dr. Siegfried Othmer explains how Neurofeedback works and talks about how he personally started with Neurofeedback. Classical frequency band training, ILF Neurofeedback as well as ADHD and PTSD are discussed.

The whole episode can be heard on Apple Podcasts.

 

 

On 15 October 2022, BEE Medic GmbH will be holding an "Open Day". Under the motto of this year's Mental Health Action Week "Talking lifts your spirits - mentally healthy in our society", we will talk about mental health and show what role modern medical technology, such as neurofeedback, plays in this.

"Mental illness is still a taboo subject. A lot has already improved - especially in recent years - and people can talk more openly about mental illnesses, but hardly ever in the public sphere. That's why we're taking part in the nationwide Mental Health Action Week. We want to get people talking about what it actually means to be mentally healthy," says Johannes Spallek, managing director of BEE Medic GmbH, and continues: "Above all, we also want to show that the therapy of mental illnesses with technologies like neurofeedback can be easy and simply fun." 

The open house will take place on October 15, 2022 from 10 am - 4 pm at Sattlertorstraße 48a in 91301 Forchheim.

On site, the team of BEE Medic as well as the Dipl.Psych. Stephan Kolbe and Erhard Beer, occupational therapist from Nuremberg, are available for questions.

For professionals with a medical and therapeutic background, there is also the possibility of a live demonstration.

Please find here a selection of current neurofeedback studies:

 

ILF Neurofeedback Mechanisms and Neurophysiology 

Dobrushina, O. et al. (2020). Modulation of Intrinsic Brain Connectivity by Implicit Electroencephalographic Neurofeedback. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 14: 192. 

Grin-Yatsenko, V., Kara, O., Evdokimov, S., Gregory, M., Othmer, S. & Kropotov, J. (2020). Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback Modulates Infra-Slow Oscillations of Brain Potentials: A Controlled Study. Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Research, 4, 1-11.

Grin-Yatsenko, V. A., Ponomarev, V. A., Kara, O., Wandernoth, B., Gregory, M., Ilyukhina, V. A., & Kropotov, J. D. (2018). Effect of Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback on Infra-Slow EEG Fluctuations. In Biofeedback. IntechOpen

Dobrushina, O. R. et al. (2018) Exploring the brain contour of implicit infra-low frequency EEG neurofeedback: a resting state fMRI study. Int. J. Psychophysiol. 131, S76 (2018).

Arina, G., Osina, E., Dobrushina, O. & Aziatskaya, G. (2017). Sham-neurofeedback as an intervention: Placebo or nocebo? European Psychiatry, 41, 253-254. 

Altan, S., Berberoglu, B., Canan, S. & Dane, S. (2016). Effects of neurofeedback therapy in healthy young subjects. Clin invest Med 39, 27–30. 

Dobrushina, O. et al. (2015). The effect of Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback on default mode network of the brain. Conference paper at Applied Neuroscience and Social Well being, Moscow. (in Russian).

Othmer S., Othmer S.F., Kaiser D. & Putman J. (2013). Endogenous Neuromodulation at Infra-Low Frequencies. Seminars in Paediatric Neurology, 20(4), 246-257.

Legarda S., McMahon D., Othmer S. & Othmer SF. (2011). Clinical Neurofeedback: Case Studies, Proposed Mechanism and Implication for Paediatric Neurology Practice. Journal of Child Neurology, 26(8), 1045-1051.

Othmer S., Othmer SF. & Legarda S. (2011). Clinical Neurofeedback: Training Brain Behavior. Pediatric Neurology and Psychiatry, 2, 67-73.

Seuß S, Riederle J. Erfahrungen mit Neurofeedback in der therapeutischen Praxis. Prax Ergotherapie. 2021;2:75–81. 

Fleischman, M. J. (2022). Documenting the Impact of Infra Low Frequency Neurofeedback on Underserved Populations With Complex Clinical Presentations. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16, 1–9.

Bazzana F, Finzi S, Di Fini G and Veglia F (2022) Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback: A Systematic Mixed Studies Review. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16:920659. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.920659

Kropotov JD (2022) The enigma of infra-slow fluctuations in the human EEG Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16:928410. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.928410

ILF Neurofeedback in latest clinical application

Addiction 

Corominas-Roso, M. et al. (2020). Benefits of EEG-Neurofeedback on the Modulation of Impulsivity in a Sample of Cocaine and Heroin Long-Term Abstinent Inmates: A Pilot Study. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 64(12), 1275-1298.

ADHD 

Schneider, H., Riederle, J. & Seuss, S. (2021). Therapeutic Effect of Infra-Low_Frequency Neurofeedback Training on Children and Adolescents with ADHD. In: Brain-Computer Interface, Vahid Asadpour ed., IntechOpen Limited, 2021:13, doi: 10.5772/intechopen.97938

Ahlstrand, P. & Grattbeck, M. Neurofeedback - ett behandlingsalternativ vid ADHD. (2013).

Prinz, W. (2015). Neurofeedbacktherapie als Spezialtherapieangebot. Psychopraxis. Neuropraxis 18, 180–183.

Flatz, T. & Gleußner, M. (2014). Neurofeedbacktherapie bei ADHS und Autismus. Pädiatrie & Pädologie 49, 22–27.

Aging & Parkinson’s

Dobrushina, O. R. et al. (2022). Enhancing Brain Connectivity With Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback During Aging : A Pilot Study. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16, 1–12.

Legarda SB, Michas-Martin PA and McDermott D (2022) Managing Intractable Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease: A Nonsurgical Approach Employing Infralow Frequency Neuromodulation. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16:894781. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.894781

Autism 

Rauter, A., Schneider, H. & Prinz, W. (2022). Effectivity of ILF Neurofeedback on Autism spectrum disorder – a Case Study. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16.

Prinz, W. (2015). Neurofeedbacktherapie als Spezialtherapieangebot. psychopraxis. neuropraxis 18, 180-183. (in German) 

Flatz, T. & Gleußner, M. (2014). Neurofeedbacktherapie bei ADHS und Autismus. Pädiatrie & Pädologie 49, 22–27.

Othmer S. & Othmer S.F. (2011). Neurofeedback for the Autism Spectrum. In K. Siri and T. Lyons (Eds.), Cutting-Edge Therapies for Autism (262-267). Skyhorse Publishing.

Rauter, A., Schneider, H., Prinz, W. & Study, C. (2022). Effectivity of ILF Neurofeedback on Autism Spectrum Disorder — A Case Study. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16, 1–6.

Brain Injury

Carlson, J. & Ross, G. (2021). Neurofeedback Impact on Chronic Headache, Sleep and Attention Disorders Experienced by Veterans with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pilot Study. Biofeedback, 49(1), 2-9. 

Annaheim C, Hug K, Stumm C, Messerli M, Simon Y and Hund-Georgiadis M (2022) Neurofeedback in patients with frontal brain lesions: A randomized, controlled double-blind trial. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16:979723. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.979723

Depression 

Grin-Yatsenko, V. A. et al. (2018) Infra-low frequency neurofeedback in depression: Three case studies. NeuroRegulation 5, 30–42.

Grin-Yatsenko, V. A., & Kropotov, J. D. (2020). Effect of infra-low frequency neurofeedback on the functional state of the brain in health and depressed individuals. In H. W. Kirk (Ed.), Restoring the brain: Neurofeedback as an integrative approach to health (2nd ed.). Routledge, pp. 244-255.

Eating disorders

Chirita-Emandi, A., & Puiu, M. (2014). Outcomes of neurofeedback training in childhood obesity management: A pilot study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(11), 831–837. 

Leong, S. L., Vanneste, S., Lim, J., Smith, M., Manning, P., & De Ridder, D. (2018). A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel trial of closed-loop infraslow brain training in food addiction. Scientific reports, 8(1), 1-9.

Winkeler, A., Winkeler, M. & Imgart, H. (2022). Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Patients With Chronic Eating Disorder and Comorbid Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16, 1–11..

Fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, Concussion 

Ingvaldsen, S. H. (2019). QEEG and Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback Training in Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Study (Master's thesis, NTNU).

Lamprecht, C. E. (2019). The effect of neurofeedback in post-concussion syndrome. Doctoral dissertation, Stellenbosch University. 

Legarda, S. B., Lahti, C. E., Mcdermott, D. & Michas-martin, A. (2022). Use of Novel Concussion Protocol With Infralow Frequency Neuromodulation Demonstrates Significant Treatment Response in Patients With Persistent Postconcussion Symptoms , a Retrospective Study. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16, 1–16.

Dobrushina, O. R., Varako, N. A., Kovyazina, M. S. & Zinchenko, Y. P. (2016). Combination of Neurofeedback and cognitive training in attention deficit due to multiple sclerosis. Int. J. Psychophysiol. 108, 118. 

Insomnia

Orakpo N, Yuan C, Olukitibi O, Burdette J and Arrington K (2022) Does Virtual Reality Feedback at Infra-Low Frequency Improve Centralized Pain With Comorbid Insomnia While Mitigating Risks for Sedative Use Disorder?: A Case Report. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16:915376. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.915376

Moore PT (2022) Infra-low frequency neurofeedback and insomnia as a model of CNS dysregulation. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16:959491. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.959491

Migraine & Tension Headache

Dobrushina, O., Arina, G., Osina, E. & Aziatskaya, G. (2017). Clinical and psychological confirmation of stabilizing effect of neurofeedback in migraine. European Psychiatry, 41.

Arina, G. A. et al. (2022). Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback in Tension-Type Headache : A Cross-Over Sham-Controlled Study. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16, 1–9.

Legarda SB, Michas-Martin PA and McDermott D (2022) Remediating Intractable Headache: An Effective Nonpharmacological Approach Employing Infralow Frequency Neuromodulation. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16:894856. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.894856

Pain

Orakpo N, Yuan C, Olukitibi O, Burdette J and Arrington K (2022) Does Virtual Reality Feedback at Infra-Low Frequency Improve Centralized Pain With Comorbid Insomnia While Mitigating Risks for Sedative Use Disorder?: A Case Report. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16:915376. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.915376

Persistent  postural-perceptual dizziness

Sasu R (2022) Infra-low frequency neurofeedback in persistent postural-perceptual dizziness—Case report. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16:959579. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.959579

PTSD

Gerge, A. (2020). A multifaceted case-vignette integrating neurofeedback and EMDR in the treatment of complex PTSD. European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 4(3), 100157.

Nilsson, R. M. & Nilsson, V. (2014). Neurofeedback Treatment for Traumatized Refugees-A Pilot Study. Lund University, Department of Psychology.

Othmer, S., Othmer, S. F. & Legarda, S. B. (2011). Clinical Neurofeedback: Training Brain Behavior. Treat. Strateg. Pediatr. Neurol. Psychiatry 2, 67–73. 

Othmer, S. & Othmer, S. F. (2009). Post Traumatic Stress Disorder—The Neurofeedback Remedy. Biofeedback 37, 24–31.

Dahl, M. G. (2020). Neurofeedback with PTSD and traumatic brain injury. In H. W. Kirk (Ed.), Restoring the brain:Neurofeedback as an integrative approach to health (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge, pp.256-284.

Spreyermann, R. (2022). Case Report : Infra-Low-Frequency Neurofeedback for PTSD : A Therapist ’ s Perspective. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16.

Winkeler, A., Winkeler, M. & Imgart, H. (2022). Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Patients With Chronic Eating Disorder and Comorbid Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16, 1–11.

Kirk HW and Dahl MG (2022) Infra Low Frequency Neurofeedback Training for Trauma Recovery: A Case Report. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16:905823. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.905823

Refractory neurological disorders (Epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy)

Legarda, S. B., McMahon, D., Othmer, S. S. & Othmer, S. S. (2011). Clinical neurofeedback: Case studies, proposed mechanism, and implications for pediatric neurology practice. J. Child Neurol. 26, 1045–1051. 

Schizophrenia

Nestoros JN and Vallianatou NG (2022) Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback rapidly ameliorates schizophrenia symptoms: A case report of the first session. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16:923695. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.923695

Tinnitus

Güntensperger, D. (2018). Treatment of chronic tinnitus with neurofeedback. (Doctoral Dissertation, University of Zurich). (Attn: they have primarily used frequency band NFB training in their studies and are (just) referring to ILF-NFB) 

Güntensperger, D., Thüring, C., Meyer, M., Neff, P. Kleinjung, T. (2017). Neurofeedback for Tinnitus Treatment - Review and Current Concepts. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 9,386.  (Attn: they have primarily used frequency band NFB training in their studies and are (just) referring to ILF-NFB) 

Tourette

Solberg B and Solberg E (2022) Infra-low frequency neurofeedback in application to Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders: A clinical case series. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16:891924. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.891924

Virtual Reality NFB in Pain Treatment 

Orakpo, N., Vieux, U. & Castro-Nunez, C. (2021). Case Report: Virtual Reality Neurofeedback Therapy as a Novel Modality for Sustained Analgesia in Centralized Pain Syndromes. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 418. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.660105 

Orakpo, N., Yuan, C., Olukitibi, O., Burdette, J. & Arrington, K. (2022).Does Virtual Reality Feedback at Infra-Low Frequency Improve Centralized Pain With Comorbid Insomnia While Mitigating Risks for Sedative Use Disorder ?: A Case Report. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16, 1–5.

Books and book chapters on ILF Neurofeedback

Othmer S. (2019). Protocol Guide for Neurofeedback Clinicians, 7th Edition. EEG Info

Kirk H. (2015) Restoring the Brain: Neurofeedback as an Integrative Approach to Health. CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group.

Othmer, S. & Othmer, S. F. (2011). Performance Enhancement Applications of Neurofeedback. In Case Studies in Applied Psychophysiology: Neurofeedback and Biofeedback Treatments for Advances in Human Performance 17–30. Wiley-Blackwell.

Kirk, H. W. (2020) Restoring the Brain: Neurofeedback as an Integrative Approach to Health. Second Edition, Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group.  

 

 

Eight patients with tension headache received 10 sessions of ILF neurofeedback and 10 sessions of sham neurofeedback in random order. The intervention was in addition to a baseline psychotherapeutic intervention. Results of the study titled "Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback in Tension-Type Headache: A Cross-Over Sham-Controlled Study" from Arina et al. showed that compared to sham treatment, the frequency of headaches after treatment with ILF neurofeedback, was significantly lower.

 

Neurofeedback and headache

Although neurofeedback is increasingly used for chronic pain, its effectiveness for headaches has been little studied. Yet headaches are among the most common conditions; 38% of the adult population actively suffers from tension headaches (Jensen and Stovner, 2008). In treatment, non-drug treatments, including biofeedback and neuromodulation, are promising alternatives to medication (Nestoriuc et al., 2008; Bendtsen et al., 2010; Ailani et al., 2021).

Neurofeedback uses brain signals and aims to therapeutically modulate a dysfunctional brain state, such as an imbalance in electroencephalographic (EEG) activity or altered intrinsic connectivity patterns (Ros et al., 2013; Marzbani et al., 2016; Nicholson et al., 2016; Dobrushina et al., 2020). In the present study, infra-low frequency (ILF) neurofeedback was applied, which targets the slow brain fluctuations. In practice, neurofeedback is already widely used in the treatment of headache (Othmer, 2017). However, a sham-controlled study in patients with tension headache has not yet been conducted.

 

Study and methods

The aim of the present study was therefore to evaluate the effects of low-frequency EEG neurofeedback in patients with tension headache using a sham-controlled cross-over study. 8 patients, aged between 18 and 45 years, diagnosed with tension headache, received 10 sessions of neurofeedback treatment and 10 sessions of sham neurofeedback treatment in two intervention phases. The order (neurofeedback first or sham neurofeedback first) was randomized. In addition, the mechanisms of tension headache, including the benign nature of the headache and the risk of medication overdose, and progressive muscle relaxation training were explained to all participating subjects. Patients received an audio recording of the relaxation technique and were asked to use it three times per week. During the study period, participating subjects were required to keep a headache diary that included information on the duration and intensity of headaches and medication use. 
Neurofeedback sessions were conducted according to the Othmer protocol. Furthermore, the NeuroAmp as well as the Cygnet software of the BEE Medic company were used.

Results and implications

 

Results of the study showed a significant effect of neurofeedback and no effect of sham sessions. Treatment with neurofeedback reduced the frequency of tension headaches. Sham sessions, on the other hand, resulted in a placebo effect in one participant and a nocebo effect in two others. Furthermore, it was found that beliefs about neurofeedback and behavior during the sessions did not influence the effectiveness of neurofeedback.

In conclusion, the results of the study support the use of low-frequency neurofeedback in the integrative treatment of patients with tension headaches.

Read the entire study here.

References

Ailani, J., Burch, R. C., and Robbins, M. S. (2021). The American Headache Society Consensus Statement: update on integrating new migraine treatments into clinical practice. Headache J. Head Face Pain 61, 1021–1039. doi: 10.1111/head.14153

Bendtsen, L., Evers, S., Linde, M., Mitsikostas, D. D., Sandrini, G., and Schoenen, J. (2010). EFNS guideline on the treatment of tension-type headache - Report of an EFNS task force. Eur. J. Neurol. 17, 1318–1325. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2010.03070.x

Dobrushina, O. R., Vlasova, R. M., Rumshiskaya, A. D., Litvinova, L. D., Mershina, E. A., Sinitsyn, V. E., et al. (2020). Modulation of intrinsic brain connectivity by implicit electroencephalographic neurofeedback. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 14:192. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00192

Jensen, R., and Stovner, L. J. (2008). Epidemiology and comorbidity of headache. Lancet Neurol. 7, 354–361. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(08)70062-0

Marzbani, H., Marateb, H. R., and Mansourian, M. (2016). Neurofeedback: a comprehensive review on system design, methodology and clinical applications. Basic Clin. Neurosci. 7, 143–158. doi: 10.15412/J.BCN.03070208

Nestoriuc, Y., Rief, W., and Martin, A. (2008). Meta-analysis of biofeedback for tension-type headache: efficacy, specificity, and treatment moderators. J. Consult. Clin. Psychol. 76, 379–396. doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.76.3.379
 

 

Webinar on World Mental Health Day
 

October 10 is World Mental Health Day. Based on the motto "Talking lifts your spirits - mentally healthy in our society", BEE Medic GmbH is hosting a free webinar entitled "Let's talk about neurofeedback" at 6:00 pm. Neurofeedback experts Dr. Meike Wiedemann and Veronika Kreitmayr will discuss the questions of what it actually means to be mentally healthy, what role neurofeedback can play in therapy and, above all, how therapists can benefit from working with neurofeedback.

Mental health is an essential factor for our quality of life. Especially the pandemic of the last years has increased the awareness for this, but the need for effective therapy as well as the load for therapists has increased significantly. Neurofeedback can play an important role here, on the one hand as an effective therapy module for patients, on the other hand it can also facilitate the everyday work of behavior therapists.

The expert webinar on October 10, 2022, will cover how.
"Let's Talk About Neurofeedback"
Live from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with Dr. rer. nat. Meike Wiedemann and Veronika Kreitmayr.

The webinar is aimed at therapeutic and health care professionals working in behavioral and psychotherapeutic settings from the fields of (child and adolescent) psychiatry, (neuro)psychology, or occupational therapy, as well as other professional groups.

All participants can ask questions and participate in live discussions via a chat tool.
Participation is free of charge and possible after registration under the following link.

Please be aware that the webinar is held in German language.

 

 

The experts:
 

Dr. Meike Wiedemann is a neurobiologist. In her research for European space agencies (ESA, DLR, CNES) she investigated the effects of gravitational conditions on the brain. She first encountered neurofeedback in 1995 as part of her university work. Fascinated by the effects, she completed a naturopathic training in order to be able to work with neurofeedback. Since 2002 she runs a neurofeedback practice in Stuttgart. Since 2009 she is active in teaching and leads the training department at BEE Medic. She is author and co-author of several articles and reference books, including the standard work "Praxisbuch Biofeedback und Neurofeedback", published by Springer Medizin Verlag, and "Neurofeedback: Wie eine spielerisch leichte Therapie dem Gehirn hilft, Probleme zu überwinden", published by Kösel Verlag.

Veronika Kreitmayr studied psychology at the University of Vienna. In her professional career, she worked for 12 years as a sports psychologist for the Red Bull Training and Diagnostic Center, where she worked with various neurofeedback approaches. In 2016, she founded her own practice near Salzburg, where she specializes mainly in peak performance, but also mental illness. She also works internationally as a lecturer in neurofeedback and trains colleagues in German and English to work with neurofeedback.