Trauma & Post-Traumatic Stress

Individuals struggling with symptoms related to trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) tend to show brainwave patterns associated with chronic survival mode. When we experience very stressful, frightening, or distressing events or dynamics in our life that are difficult to cope with or out of our control, the part of the brain responsible for survival instincts and emotional response (the amygdala) takes over. This can lead to symptoms such as a heightened startle response, hyper-vigilance, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, irritability, anger, guilt, and shame.

 

When the amygdala is in control, the central nervous system (CNS) can get stuck in the fight, flight, or freeze response. When the amygdala is running the show, it becomes very difficult to access the frontal cortex of the brain (the thinking brain), responsible for functions like problem-solving, memory, language, and impulse control. With NeurOptimal® neurofeedback sessions, this stuck pattern continually gets interrupted and over time, the amygdala and nervous system gradually calm. As that happens, sleep tends to improve and reactivity and hyper-vigilance decrease. People are then able to access the thinking brain more easily and cognitive function and executive control improve.