Question 1

Is NeurOptimal® brain training safe?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback is considered safe and non-invasive, which means that the device is not adding/doing anything to your brain. It does not involve manipulation of brainwave activity or the use of electrical currents, making it safe for individuals of all ages.

Question 2

Are there side effects?

Accepted Answer

Since NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback does not force the brain to change, it does not create side effects. It is completely non-invasive.

Question 3

Is NeurOptimal® FDA approved?

Accepted Answer

Yes! NeurOptimal® received the General Wellness Device designation in 2018 as a safe product to be used directly by consumers. You can read the FDA Guideline statements from NeurOptimal® using the link below:

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Question 4

How long does a NeurOptimal® session take?

Accepted Answer

Each session is approximately 33 minutes long. At home, it will also take you a few minutes to set up and remove the sensors at the start and end of each session. In the office, we will use additional time to review progress.

Question 5

How many sessions until I start seeing results?

Accepted Answer

Every person's experience is different, with some people noticing shifts after the first session and some noticing after multiple sessions. For most people, real change and impact occur over multiple and frequently repeated sessions. The most commonly noted shifts occur for clients around 10 sessions.

Question 6

What happens during a session?

Accepted Answer

Prior to training, you will attach two sensors to your scalp and three sensors to your ears. You will also place headphones/earbuds in your ears in order to hear auditory feedback (music track). During training, the software will read your brainwave activity and give precisely timed interruptions in the music track to alert your brain when maladaptive patterns are occurring. Passively, your brain will learn to self-correct which leads to improved brain performance.

Question 7

How will I feel after a session?

Accepted Answer

Many clients report feeling more calm/relaxed, grounded, less stressed, more focused. Some clients may notice feeling tired after sessions, similar to the fatigue experienced after a good workout.

Question 8

How often should I train my brain?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended to train your brain at least once per week, with up to daily NeurOptimal® sessions depending on your needs. Over time, and as you begin to attune to your brain's unique needs, you can try to align sessions with how you are feeling.

Question 9

What do I do during a session?

Accepted Answer

Your brain training session can be tailored to what feels comfortable for you! Many clients enjoy using the time to sit/lay back and relax, similar to meditating. Some clients enjoy doing stationary activities during sessions like reading a book, working on their computer, or playing a game. It is not recommended to use NeurOptimal® systems during activities that require a lot of movement (e.g., walking, exercising).

Question 10

Do the effects last?

Accepted Answer

NeurOptimal® brain training can be equated to a learning task. Just like riding a bike, once your brain knows how to do it, it is very challenging to "unlearn". Based on this principle, the effects tend to be long-lasting. Our brains can get rusty over time and can also be impacted by stress, habits, and environmental factors. Therefore, some clients benefit from renting systems for "tune-ups" if they notice they are less resilient, more irritable, or more distracted.

Question 11

What factors might contribute to NeurOptimal® not working for me?

Accepted Answer

NeurOptimal® brain training has the potential to work for many individuals based on its sound scientific principles. However, there are some factors that can make it difficult for clients to notice improvements.

1. Low number of sessions: brain training is effective when done through consistent repetition, just like building a muscle. It may not be effective if you do not complete the recommended number of sessions. 
2. Active stessors: although a short-term factor, new active stressors during the course of neurofeedback may make it hard for you to notice changes. 
3. Lifestyle: lifestyle choices significant impact brain health. These can include diet, physical activity, harmful substances, sleep hygiene, quality of relationships, and stress.

Question 12

How much does NeurOptimal® cost?

Accepted Answer

NeurOptimal® in-person sessions are $120/hour.
Monthly rentals start at $600 for 2 weeks.

Question 13

How is NeurOptimal® different than other types of neurofeedback?

Accepted Answer

NeurOptimal® is neurofeedback brain training, but has its own distinct features and methodologies.

1. Approach:
   - NeurOptimal®: It is non-diagnostic, meaning it does not rely on an initial brain scan or analysis to create a training protocol. Instead, it offers a universal brain training approach that adapts in real time to any brain, aiming to optimize overall functioning without targeting specific brainwave patterns.

2. Brain Led Training:
   - NeurOptimal®: Provides real-time feedback based on moment-to-moment changes in brain activity. It doesn't focus on rewarding or inhibiting specific brainwaves but instead allows the brain to self-correct by alerting it to changes in its own functioning.

3. Dynamical:
   - NeurOptimal®: Operates under a dynamical systems model, meaning it views the brain as a non-linear, self-organizing system. The feedback is designed to enhance the brain's natural ability to adapt and self-regulate without telling it what to do.

4. Accessibility
   - NeurOptimal®: Because it does not require an initial QEEG, it is typically easier and quicker to get started. It is considered user-friendly, and sessions can often be run without a neurofeedback expert. This makes it more accessible for home use and non-clinical settings.

5. Customization
   - NeurOptimal®: Does not offer customized protocols based on individual brain maps. It provides the same training to every user, relying on the brain's innate ability to reorganize and optimize itself.

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