What's New in Neurofeedback

A Monthly Summary of News and Events

Vol. 3 No. 3 - March 2000

This newsletter is sponsored by EEG Spectrum International, Inc.,
a leader in providing clinical service and training professionals.

Past issues are available at www.eegspectrum.com/newsletter/
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The opinions related in this newsletter reflect those of the author only.
Copyright (C) 2000 by EEG Spectrum International, Inc. All rights reserved.


  • Announcements  - Ritalin woes
  • In the Spotlight   - QEEG: State of the Art, or State of Confusion
  • News & Reviews - Books, journal papers, of interest
  • Events & Locations - Conferences, Courses; New clinicians / offices
  • Last Word               - Rhythmic activation impacts neurological function, according to British law

    •  

    Announcements

     

    In the Spotlight
    originally appeared Nov 1998

    QEEG: State of the Art, or State of Confusion

    Despite reports of electrical activity in animal brains in the 19th century (Caton, 1875), the existence of electric potentials in the human brain remained largely unknown and unexplored well into the 20th century. Hans Berger published his first report on electrical activity of the human brain in 1929, which he designated the "Elektenkephalogram", or EEG. Five years passed before his findings were confirmed in the English- speaking world by Lord Adrian in 1934. By 1934 about three- quarters of what we now know about EEG was already known to Berger, especially about the alpha rhythm. Berger identified and labelled alpha and beta activity, applied Fourier analysis to these signals, described alpha blocking (an abrupt suspension of alpha waves) which he correctly recognized was an information processing response (in today's terms) and was not dependent upon respiratory, vascular, or motoric responses as others thought. He believed that the amount of alpha activity reflected the extent of mental processing -- what we still believe today. The only thing he didn't know (or care much) about human EEG were the brain mechanisms which generated it.
    More than half a century passed and only a few interesting wrinkles have been added to our knowledge of human EEG. But now we have another complex electrical apparatus to help us probe and sift through the original one. The rapid advance of computer technology has been a great and troublesome boon for EEG and EEG biofeedback research. Relatively inexpensive but sophisticated acquisition and analysis technology has created a surge in EEG applications and users and along with it a proliferation of incompatible results. Some of the advantages of quantitative EEG -- reliability, portability, sensitivity, and cheapness -- has in some ways helped to undermine the incredible power of this assessment tool. Now everyone and his aunt can and does investigate the 3-pound universe. Not a week passes when someone emails me asking how to construct an EEG acquisition system for their own use, to be built out of parts pilfered from the local Radio Shack dumpster... From this freedom emerges greater freedom. And it is the lack of standards in basic areas of quantitative EEG research (e.g., electrode number, bandwidth, data transform) that continues to confound the effectiveness of this tool and limit its acceptance and what should be routine implementation in many circumstances.
    Quantitative electroencephalography has an undeserved reputation of being noisy, unreliable, and imprecise in the minds of psychologists, neuroscientists, and laypersons alike (Nuwer, 1988; Begley, 1992). That was yesterday, but now it's today... A lack of methodological standards partly underlies this characterization. A researcher interested in analyzing behavioral or mental processes confronts a gauntlet of largely arbitrary methodological choices about reference electrodes, recording electrodes, epoch parameters, windowing function, bandwidths, spectral estimates, and artifact control (see table below). Different methodological configurations generate incompatible, or worse, conflicting findings and conclusions from paper to paper (cf. any work by Ray and Cole).
    To link or not to link, that is the first question... Linking reference electrodes (between two mastoids or earlobes) provide a nice non-lateralized reference -- or does it? Ah, here's the rub: if the electrical resistance at each electrode differs by even 5K Ohm, a linked-ears montage becomes a lateralized reference, one that drifts away from the midline plane in proportion to the difference. Is there a better way? Seven different references appear in the literature (i.e., 100 important EEG studies between 1965 and 1997) -- eight, if you count the reference-free techniques such as common average references or source derivation (an approach with its own set of problems).
    Onto the next minefield -- frequency bands. If someone reports that alpha magnitude decreased with neurofeedback training, say, what part of the frequency range changed exactly? The literature is replete with varying "alpha" frequency intervals, e.g., 8-13 Hz, 7-12 Hz, 7.81-14.06 Hz. Nunez (1981) reported that 96% of peak frequencies fell between 8 and 12 Hz for 135 subjects. Finally someone talking sense - but then again, over what part of the head were these results drawn? Peak dominant frequency can vary topographically with higher peak frequencies typically in posterior cortex (e.g., 10.3-10.6 Hz) and lower peak frequencies in anterior cortex (e.g., 9.7-10.3 Hz). Lack of standardization in frequency bands is probably the second most mischievous source of irreproducibility of results between labs; the first being task definition and constitution (eyes open, reading, visual processing).
    Here are some other points of contention and disagreement in EEG research: 
       1.  Acquisition 
        a.  Reference method (ipsilateral, linked, etc)
        b.  Montage  
        c.  Maximum impedance
        d.  Minimum number of electrodes

   2.  Collection (for spectral analysis)
        a.  Epoch interval   
        b.  Epoch overlap  (0 to 99.9%)
        c.  Window function  (Hanning, rectangle, etc)
        d.  Task duration     
        e.  Frequency bands  
        f.  Artifact control
        g.  Data transform  (absolute power, log magnitude, relative, etc)
        h.  Spectral parameter (amplitude, coherence, , etc

   3.  Analysis
        a.  Reliability   (test-retest)
        b.  Baseline and control conditions
        c.  Statistical methods (parametric, non-parametric)
        d.  Statistical corrections (nonsphericity correction, multiple tests)

    A power data transform will produce entirely different results than a log transform, which explains many of the incompatible results between studies... It's amazing that EEG researchers agree on anything at all. The state of EEG science must be like chemistry before the identification of the periodic table. Some findings parallel others, but many seem completely out of place, and none of it makes sense as a whole. EEG biofeedback research suffers from some of these issues, and as the numbers of neurofeedback investigators grows, so will the issues. It is clear that quantitative topographic EEG holds great potential for the study of higher cognitive functions and assessment of cognitive and attentional dysfunction, possibly more so than any other approach in common use today, but where is our periodicity table? -David Kaiser

     

     

    News & Reviews

    NEW BOOKS



    A Neurodevelopmental Approach to Specific Learning Disorders
    By Kingsley Whitmore, Hilary Hart, and Guy Willems
    For each major disorder the normal development of the relevant cognitive functions, classification, and causes and assessment are described. The psychosocial and biologic underpinnings of specific learning disorder are explored, including genetics, prenatal and perinatal precursors, psychosocial factors, and neuroimaging.

    ADD & ADHD: Complementary Medicine Solutions
    by Charles Gant
    What complementary medicine has to offer to ADHD patients and their parents Dr. Gant asks: Are ADHD and ADD biochemically-based or not? Can nutrients and diet be used to treat ADD & ADHD or not? Is medication dangerous or not? His answers are: They are, they can, and it is.

    Handbook of Psychological Assessment
    by Gary Groth-Marnat
    Step-by-step guide to the classic psychological assessment tests, including Wechsler Intelligence Scales, Bender-Gestalt, Rorschach, MMPI, and projective drawings.

    Attachment Parenting: Instinctive Care for Your Baby and Young Child
    by Katie Allison Granju, Betsy Kennedy
    Attachment parenting was coined by pediatrician Dr. William Sears, and refers to a method of child-rearing that focuses on intuitive care of infants and children: birth bonding, breastfeeding, bedsharing, babywearing, and belief in the signal value of an infant's cry.

    Neuropsychological Assessment in Clinical Practice : A Practical Guide to Test Interpretation and Integration
    by Gary Groth-Marnat
    Introduction to neuropsychological assessment and specific test batteries such as the WISC, Halstead Reitan, and Luria Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery.

    Attachment in Adults : Clinical and Developmental Perspectives
    by Michael B. Sperling, William H. Berman, Robert S. Weiss
    Recent research on the structure and function of adult attachment from a variety of perspectives.

    Attachment in Adults : Clinical and Developmental Perspectives
    by Michael B. Sperling, William H. Berman, Robert S. Weiss
    Recent research on the structure and function of adult attachment from a variety of perspectives.

    Anxiety & Depression : The Best Resources to Help You Cope
    by Richard Theodore Wemhoff
    Guide for patients and healthcare professionals.

    Concise Text of Neuroscience
    by Robert E. Kingsley
    Concise presentation of brain anatomy and function, integrating aspects of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neurology that are relevant to clinical practice.

     

     

    JOURNAL PAPERS

    Clinical psychopharmacology of AD/HD: No long-term remedial effects of methylphenidate are found for behavior -- i.e. symptoms return when the drugs are withdrawn.

      Further info: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?form=6&uid=10654657

    Massage and music therapies attenuate frontal EEG asymmetry in depressed adolescents, during and after the massage and music sessions.

      Further info: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?form=6&uid=10658860

    Neurodevelopmental problems and childhood ADHD may be a precursor for neurologic compromise in women and men with chronic PTSD.

      Further info: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?form=6&uid=10665621

    Developmental dyslexia and attention dysfunction in adults: A distinct brain organization may characterize dyslexic men with a history of concomitant deficits in attention.

      Further info: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?form=6&uid=10690919

    100 years of alcoholism: the 20th century: The past 100 years witnessed the formation of a disease concept of alcoholism and a rapid increase in the knowledge of its aetiopathology and treatment options. Neurobiological research points to a dispositional factor of monoaminergic dysfunction and indicates that neuroadaptation and sensitization may play a role in the maintenance of addictive behaviour.

      Further info: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?form=6&uid=10684770

    ADD adults often use compensatory mental and neural strategies in response to a disrupted ability to inhibit attention to nonrelevant stimuli, and internalized speech to guide behavior.

      Further info: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?form=6&uid=10671402

    Chronic fatigue syndrome onset peaks from November through January and ebbed from April through May. Possibly an infectious illness triggers the onset of CFS.

      Further info: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?form=6&uid=10672437

    Most psychologists (91% surveyed) are to some degree involved in clinical practice with substance abusers, although few have formal education or training in substance abuse.

      Further info: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?form=6&uid=10681111

     

     

    Events & Locations

    Weekend Advanced Workshops for
    Neurofeedback Professionals

    EEG Spectrum International is offering a series of workshops addressing topics of interest to professionals working in the field of neurofeedback. Class size is limited to 25 to allow for informal interaction.
    Working with Attention, Learning, & Behavioral Problems in a Private-Practice Setting
    Matt Fleischman, Ph.D., Instructor
    San Franciso, CA     Apr 15-16, 2000
    Integrating Psychotherapy and Neurofeedback: A Treatment Approach for Severe Emotional Disorders in Adults in Children
    Sebern Fisher, M.A., Ph.D., Instructor
    Northampton, MA     May 6-7, 2000     		Working with Learning and Behavior Problems in a School Setting
    John Anderson Instructor
    Minneapolis, MN     Jun 10-11, 2000
    EEG Biofeedback Instrumentation
    Howard Lightstone Instructor
    Encino CA     July 8-9, 2000
    Therapeutic Techniques, Ethics, Research Principles
    Lisa Cavallaro, Psy.D., Instructor
    Encino CA     Aug 12-13, 2000
    Psychopharmacology, Nutrition, and Neurofeedback
    Bruce Goderez, M.D., Instructor
    Boston, MA     Sep 23-24, 2000

    For information, telephone EEG Spectrum International at 818-891-6789 x 810 or email training@eegspectrum.com

      PREREQUISITES FOR EITHER PRACTICUM:
    • Completion of 1 EEG Spectrum International Biofeedback Training Course for Professionals
    • EEG Biofeedback experience using NeuroCybernetics Instrumentation


    Conferences for Neurofeedback Clinicians & Researchers

    CONFERENCELOCATION DATES
    AAPB Denver, CO Mar 29-Apr 2
    SNR Minneapolis, MN Sep 20 - 24

     

    New Neurofeedback Clinicians / New Offices

    Lilian Marcus, Ph.D.
Biofeedback Associates
825 Oak Grove Ave, C-502
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 328-5580; 321-8608
 lilianmarcus@earthlink.net

John Finnick, MA, BCIAC
Center for Human Development
3080 N Lake Blvd, Suite I  Box 5815
Tahoe City, CA 96145-5815
530-581-1506; fax -2878
 biofocus@jps.net


    





      
     
    Last Word

    Originally appeared March 1998


    Rhythmic activation impacts neurological function, according to British law 
    

Dr. Graham Harding, an expert on photosensitive  epilepsy,  determined the TV-induced seizures 
in Japan reported in December were caused by rapid color changes and
not due to high-speed flashes of light. Little did I know that a similar incident had
occurred in Britain in 1993 and that UK lawmakers instituted regulations so that
this incident would not be repeated. I guess the BBC (my shorthand for UK TV regulatory bodies) 
became the first government agency to enact into law the principle 
that rhythmic activation impacts neurological function. 


    The following was written by Siegfried Othmer, Ph.D.


    Japanese cartoon triggers seizures in hundreds of children
    


    It is of interest to revisit a news item from last December, in which it was
reported from Japan that the simple act of viewing a cartoon triggered
seizures, vomiting, irritated eyes, and other symptoms in 618 Japanese
children. More than 100 were still hospitalized one day later. The trigger was
ostensibly five seconds of flashing red light in the eyes of "Pikachu," a rat-
like creature.  Other children were stricken later when the item was aired on
news programs and the segment was replayed. 


    Here is a compelling demonstration of the importance of rhythmic activity in
brain regulation. When internal brain rhythms are even slightly redirected,
the subject may become dysfunctional. This can apparently happen even with
brief exposures (5 seconds), and even when only a small portion of visual
cortex is rhythmically illuminated. This story can be helpful in understanding
the mechanisms underlying EEG biofeedback, or neurofeedback. In these clinical
approaches, the brain is challenged in terms of its prevailing rhythmicity at
particular frequencies. That is, the brain is asked to increase or decrease
its rhythmicity by operant conditioning in the moment of training. This can be
seen as a challenge to the regulatory machinery of the brain. If the challenge
is sufficiently subtle, then the effect is to strengthen the mechanisms by
which rhythmicity is managed, which in turn is deemed to manage such key
functions as arousal regulation, attention, and affect. 
In a learning paradigm, such an exercise of fundamental regulatory function is
then deemed to have a long-term beneficial effect.


    Siegfried Othmer