What is NeuroMatrix Neural Efficiency Training(TM)?

The guiding principle behind NeuroMatrix Neural Efficiency Training(TM) is that performance (attention, focus, learning ability), mood, memory, behavior, and emotional resilience are all created by our brain. If we are doing well in each of these key quality of life categories, it means our brain is doing its job efficiently. If, on the other hand, we are struggling with attention, learning, mood, anger, or memory problems, it is an indication that our brain is neurologically inefficient in one or more working areas and doing its job poorly. This can be caused by either physical or emotional trauma, or for some other reason such as genetic or environmental causes.

In other words, what the medical or psychological community label Bipolar, ADHD, OCD, and Depression, for example, are terms for clusters of symptoms that point to specific areas of dysfunction in the brain. The medical community's "solution" for these neurological problems is drugs to blunt the symptoms. As you may be aware, side effects from these drugs are numerous, including permanent brain dysfunction. Information on these unsettling side effects can be found on Google or other search engine by typing in the name of the drug followed by "side effects," and in such books as Your drug may be your problem by Peter Breggin, MD and David Cohen, PhD, and Prozac backlash by Joseph Glenmullen, MD. Other titles are available from the Amazon and Barnes and Noble web sites.

NeuroMatrix Neural Efficiency Training(TM) offers an alternative to drugs and their side effects. A Quantitative EEG (computerized brain wave analysis) defines where and in what way the brain is doing its job poorly; research based Neurofeedback (brain wave training) protocols are then used to remediate what is found. Also included in these sessions are Heart Rate Variability biofeedback, which teaches specific breathing techniques to coach the body to be more relaxed under stressful situations, exclusive Audio-Visual Entrainment (flashing light and pulsing sound) programs developed by Dr. Sams that help "pull" or "nudge" the brain out of "stuck" brain patterns, and Transcranial DC Stimulation, a technology that modulates and stabilizes brain function.

The initial Quantitative EEG data is compared to the brain wave patterning of normal subjects to understand what specific neurological inefficiencies are producing the symptoms; follow up Quantitative EEGs are done before each session to document improvements statistically; frequent normative database updates are printed to determine how much remediation has been accomplished.

Speaking to expected outcomes, focus, attention and learning ability improve, there is a renewed sense of well being, memory is sharpened, and emotional resilience is enhanced.

The Neurology of Bipolar

If your doctor has made a diagnosis of Bipolar or Manic depression, you probably have alternating periods of emotional highs (often called mania) and lows (depression). These cycles may be intense or mild, and there may even be times when you don't seem to be affected at all. While a Google search will yield many sites describing the symptoms, there are few that explain the neurological issues of Bipolar.

In those with the symptoms of Bipolar, the EEG (brain wave analysis) typically reveals a major instability of the brain's electrical energy. Dr. Sams reports seeing the brain wave patterning shift as many as seven times in a four second period! The role of NeuroMatrix Neurofeedback is to use specific training protocols and techniques to teach the brain is stabilize its energy. When the brain is able to function in a more consistent and predictable way, it is expected that the mood will also stabilize. Life and behavior can become fun and exciting again.

In addition to the instability, brain performance issues with Coherence, an electrical measurement of the brain's communication networks, may be found. Over connectivity of the brain's right hemisphere can lead to social skills issues, and, for some, anxiety; Connectivity issues of the left hemisphere can create language and learning problems, and depression. In these instances, the training focus is to remediate the excess or deficient Coherence issues.

More information about Coherence is available in the "Evaluation...Defining the why and where" section.

The complexity of Bipolar

What's behind this brain instability and communication network problems? The answer in any particular individual is likely to be difficult if not impossible to know. However, the EEG typically shows the patterning of those that have suffered a traumatic brain injury. Also, it is well know that both street and prescription drugs can produce major shifts in moods.

Bipolar symptoms often represent a variety of issues that need to be addressed: The neurological issues that produced the initial symptoms, the brain dysfunction created by prescription drugs, and, for those desiring to do so, the task of weaning off meds. Most of our clients with attention or depression issues tend to finish training around 24-30 sessions. But, because of these variables, training can go as quickly for those with Bipolar, or it may take a few more than our usual number of sessions for full and permanent symptom relief.

Weaning off drugs

The primary objective of NeuroMatrix Neural Efficiency Training (TM)is to help bring the brain as close to normal (optimal) functioning as possible. It is expected that when this is accomplished, symptoms will be reduced or eliminated, along with the need for psychiatric meds. However, it is anticipated that everyone begins training while taking his or her full complement of physician-prescribed medications. After a certain number of sessions show favorable changes in brain function, those desiring to do so can begin decreasing drugs under the guidance of his or her physician. This tends to be late in the training process or even after training is complete. We offer reference material for those clients and physicians seeking information on withdrawal techniques.

Two psychiatric drugs in particular, Effexor and Paxil, can create rapid and major withdrawal symptoms (see, for example, the books Prozac Backlash and The Antidepressant Solution by Joseph Glenmullen). With NeuroMatrix Neural Efficiency Training(TM), most have even come off these drugs rather painlessly. However, for a few individuals, there may be a need for a few more than the usual number of sessions

Training Schedule

If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, we schedule to your convenience. At least two to four sessions a week are recommended.

For those coming from outside the Dallas/Fort Worth area, a typical stay is two weeks. We do two sessions a day, working six days a week.

Many complete NeuroMatrix Neural Efficiency Training in 24-30 sessions. Those with a traumatic brain injury, complicated symptoms, or a long history of drug use may take a few more sessions. Should this prove to be the case, training can be completed on a brief return visit in a few months or weeks, or with a special at-home trainer.

Fees

E-mail us from our Contact Page or call 972.733.3009 or 972.612.0160 for our current fee schedule.

To schedule an evaluation

Just call 972.733.3009 to arrange a convenient time for you or your family member to start.

For more information

For detailed information about NeuroMatrix Neural Efficiency Training, click here to go to our Main Page

To go to our Contact page

Coming to Plano (Dallas), Texas difficult right now or your budget is tight? To learn about the Pegasus A.V.E. System