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In Fall 2018, I was referred to a PhD psychologist board certified in EEG Encephalography by the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) to help determine any abnormalities that could explain my severe hypersensitivity. I was also recently diagnosed with dysautonomia. At the time of testing, I was enrolled in a PhD program and living in Los Angeles, so this wasn't helping my situation. In the end, ALL these symptoms disappeared through treatment of infections and I am currently in remission (which I recently mentioned in this post). I did have several Neurofeedback sessions, but this did not solve my problem. Nonetheless, I thought it would be helpful to share some key excerpts from my 40-page report:
1. Analysis of Rachel’s EEG revealed several significant deviations from normal readings, adjusted for age and gender. The most significant area of concern is unstable high amplitude Beta and Gamma waveforms in the temporal lobes. This is a pattern of over arousal (fast wave activity) measured with the eyes opened and was seen predominately in the right hemisphere at site T4 (above the right ear) and at the T6–P4 area (right somatosensory). In addition to these temporal measurements, the pattern of over arousal was observed throughout the head. All frequencies above 13 Hz measured higher in amplitude than expected compared to norms.
2. Over arousal of this type indicates that Rachel has reactive sensory processing, characterized by low tolerance to environmental stimuli. The somatosensory, visual and auditory temporal areas appear most affected in the right hemisphere. During the eyes open recording it was observed that slight sounds and minor environmental distractions would trigger a surge of fast Beta and Gamma waves that are generally associated with anxiety, sensory processing, and physical discomfort. It would take several minutes for the pattern to subside. This type of EEG pattern is frequently seen with individuals prone to panic attacks, chronic pain, post infectious disease, immune dysfunctions, and other conditions. It is reasonable to assume that Rachel’s symptoms are consistent with generalized chronic over arousal of the EEG. One should consider that Rachel’s pattern of over arousal is not necessarily causing her condition, but is more likely a reaction to an earlier event or predisposition that has become chronic. In many cases Neurofeedback has been able to reduce arousal levels and improve symptoms.
3. A second significant pattern was observed in Rachel’s EEG. Random surges of slow waves frequently appear below <7 Hz. in the Delta and Theta ranges. They generally appear bilaterally across the frontal lobe, negatively affecting attention. They also appear frontally along the longitudinal midline, although diminishing in intensity as they approach the lateral midline. This pattern is most likely a result of chronic fatigue and low vitality resulting from the temporal over arousal problem. It is likely a secondary condition as her attention and stamina would likely improve if the problem of temporal over arousal were remediated.
4. EEG Neurofeedback training should help remediate some symptoms and help provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying Rachel’s condition. An initial approach would be to reward stability across the motor cortex at T4 and T3 by inhibiting Beta and Gamma rhythms while rewarding slower rhythms to lower the median EEG frequency into the normal range. Additionally, bilateral synchrony training across the hemispheres targeting the temporal lobes, the primary auditory cortex, and the visual cortex may bring relief to her condition. With progress, other interventions and configurations may be implemented.
1. Analysis of Rachel’s EEG revealed several significant deviations from normal readings, adjusted for age and gender. The most significant area of concern is unstable high amplitude Beta and Gamma waveforms in the temporal lobes. This is a pattern of over arousal (fast wave activity) measured with the eyes opened and was seen predominately in the right hemisphere at site T4 (above the right ear) and at the T6–P4 area (right somatosensory). In addition to these temporal measurements, the pattern of over arousal was observed throughout the head. All frequencies above 13 Hz measured higher in amplitude than expected compared to norms.
2. Over arousal of this type indicates that Rachel has reactive sensory processing, characterized by low tolerance to environmental stimuli. The somatosensory, visual and auditory temporal areas appear most affected in the right hemisphere. During the eyes open recording it was observed that slight sounds and minor environmental distractions would trigger a surge of fast Beta and Gamma waves that are generally associated with anxiety, sensory processing, and physical discomfort. It would take several minutes for the pattern to subside. This type of EEG pattern is frequently seen with individuals prone to panic attacks, chronic pain, post infectious disease, immune dysfunctions, and other conditions. It is reasonable to assume that Rachel’s symptoms are consistent with generalized chronic over arousal of the EEG. One should consider that Rachel’s pattern of over arousal is not necessarily causing her condition, but is more likely a reaction to an earlier event or predisposition that has become chronic. In many cases Neurofeedback has been able to reduce arousal levels and improve symptoms.
3. A second significant pattern was observed in Rachel’s EEG. Random surges of slow waves frequently appear below <7 Hz. in the Delta and Theta ranges. They generally appear bilaterally across the frontal lobe, negatively affecting attention. They also appear frontally along the longitudinal midline, although diminishing in intensity as they approach the lateral midline. This pattern is most likely a result of chronic fatigue and low vitality resulting from the temporal over arousal problem. It is likely a secondary condition as her attention and stamina would likely improve if the problem of temporal over arousal were remediated.
4. EEG Neurofeedback training should help remediate some symptoms and help provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying Rachel’s condition. An initial approach would be to reward stability across the motor cortex at T4 and T3 by inhibiting Beta and Gamma rhythms while rewarding slower rhythms to lower the median EEG frequency into the normal range. Additionally, bilateral synchrony training across the hemispheres targeting the temporal lobes, the primary auditory cortex, and the visual cortex may bring relief to her condition. With progress, other interventions and configurations may be implemented.
