How safe is neurofeedback?

An important thing to understand about neurofeedback training is that it does nothing directly to the brain except provide information about brain behavior. The EEG electrodes that are placed on the scalp take in information about brainwaves…they do nothing to the head. Whatever happens during neurofeedback happens because the brain does it to itself. As a result, neurofeedback is a very safe procedure.

Side Effects

The brain doesn’t tend to run off wildly by itself, but there can be temporary side effects from brainwave training. The process of training includes finding the most satisfactory way for an individual’s brain to work…we are true individuals in that way also. So, a little trial and error occurs, but it is a normal part of the process.

Any unwanted side effects, such as feeling “wound up” or fatigued can be easily reversed by another feedback session. Providing a good medical and psychological history to your neurotherapist can help select the neurofeedback work to be performed that is likely to be the “best fit” for you right from the beginning.

Neurofeedback is surprisingly gentle

In fact, after a session a new person sometimes says, “Is that all there is? THAT’S supposed to do something to me?” Of course, some people experience more of a calming effect right in the session, or a better sense of focus and attention, depending on the type of training that was done. But, by and large, neurofeedback is gentle.