How does it all work?
Neurofeedback works by measuring an individual’s EEG that are recorded and communicated to the patient to facilitate improvement in neural communication. Recognizing that an individual’s arousal is vulnerable to the patterns of neuronal oscillations (repetitive neuronal activity) these oscillations are measured through the use of an electroencephalogram, which measures brain waves also known as signal frequencies.
With Operant Conditioning as the mechanism of action, neurofeedback is conducted by placing electrodes on the scalp that measure brain waves in real-time. Instantaneous feedback is provided to the subject allowing the influence of brainwaves.
Understood as reconditioning and retraining brain waves (Hammond, 2011), the patient is provided with feedback reinforcing a pattern the clinician has preset. There is no input of electrical activity in the brain, only recording and sending surface electrical data back to the trainee.