Author: Sue Othmer

Susan Othmer is Clinical Director of the EEG Institute. She has been involved in clinical research and the development of EEG biofeedback protocols since 1988. She teaches professional training courses in EEG biofeedback, and presents clinical research findings in professional forums.

Working with pIR3 – Peripheral Infrared Sensor for Biofeedback

The new pIR3 is a passive infrared sensor device for biofeedback. Three infrared sensors are mounted in the plastic housing that sits on the forehead and is attached with an adjustable band around the head. Since we are looking at signals from left, right and center, it is important to place the device appropriately so that the label is right side up and the cable extends from the right side of the device. The infrared sensors are not in contact with the forehead, but are held at some distance away so they can measure heat that is radiated from the head. It is important to seat the housing securely (stably) just above the eyebrows. If any hair falls between the forehead and sensors, the signal will be diminished and also more variable, so care must be taken to move any hair out of the way.

The pIR3 follows the lead of Jeff Carmen, who has worked extensively with pIR HEG biofeedback, primarily for migraine headaches. Jeff’s work has used a single sensor for feedback, which is typically placed at Fpz. The pIR3 provides three sensors at approximately Fp1, Fpz and Fp2, and hence the ability to combine the signals as desired for feedback purposes. The pIR3 plugs into any of the three peripheral device inputs on the front of the Neuroamp. BioExplorer software displays the signals and Particle Editor provides additional feedback information and reward. Continue reading “Working with pIR3 — Peripheral Infrared Sensor for Biofeedback”

New Advanced Course Format for 2007


March 15-18: Kona, Hawaii

July 19-22: San Diego, California

November 8-11: Boston, Massachusetts

We are looking forward to three advanced courses scheduled for 2007. The response to our advanced courses in 2006 was enthusiastic, but many asked for another day and more time to discuss and share neurofeedback experiences. This year the advanced courses will be three days instead of two, beginning Thursday noon and ending Sunday noon. That gives people more flexibility with travel arrangements. It also gives us an opportunity to add on some optional workshops and individual support time before and after the formal program. Continue reading “New Advanced Course Format for 2007”

ABT Offering Listening Program Training Course

ABT-Advanced Brain Technologies will be offering a TLP Provider Training Course in Pasadena, CA, on January 26-27, 2007. The Listening Program is a music-based sound therapy program that enhances and extends the effects of Neurofeedback training. We encourage you to consider attending the TLP Provider Training Course and incorporating TLP within your own practice. Continue reading “ABT Offering Listening Program Training Course”

Revised EEG Info BioExplorer Designs With Improved Tactile Feedback

Neury - The Tactile Feedback BearUpdated BioExplorer designs are available at http://www.neuroamp.com/. The tactile feedback is now more responsive and gives better feedback on the amplitude of the reward band. I find that most clients are now willing to hold, or sit next to, Neury the Bear. There are, of course, a few people who are too sensitive to tolerate the vibration or too embarrassed to hold a Teddy bear.

The new Alpha-Theta designs provide tactile feedback that switches between alpha and theta depending on which is dominant relative to the goals. When you are in alpha and listening to the stream, the tactile feedback reflects alpha amplitude. And when you are in theta and listening to the surf sounds, the tactile feedback reflects theta amplitude. Tactile feedback is a particularly good addition to the auditory feedback in Alpha-Theta. The information flows directly into the body without any conscious attention.

If you have created a separate folder for the designs you use regularly, then you will need to copy over the new designs from the EEGInfo Designs folder.

New BioExplorer Deep-State Designs and Alpha-Theta Sounder Program

**Bioexplorer Deep-State Designs and Alpha-Theta Sounder is No Longer Available – This is an archived post from 2006

We are releasing a new Alpha-Theta program and three new deep-state designs for BioExplorer. Similar settings files are already available on BrainMaster for use with the EEG Audio program. The Alpha-Theta Sounder program provides audio feedback reflecting alpha and theta amplitudes and the shifting of deep states. The new BioExplorer designs allow one-channel Alpha-Theta with two different displays for the clinician, plus two-channel sum training.

EEGInfo 1 Channel Alpha-Theta

vol6_issue26_1.jpg Continue reading “New BioExplorer Deep-State Designs and Alpha-Theta Sounder Program”

Below 0-3 Hz: Left and Right-Side Reward Frequencies

When working with reward frequencies above 0-3 Hz, we have found that a consistent relationship emerges between optimal reward frequencies for left and right-side training. If an optimal reward is found at any right-side site, such as T4-P4, then the left-side reward is expected to be at or close to 2 Hz higher. Now that we are training some people below 0-3 Hz by narrowing the reward band, this 2 Hz rule no longer applies. It is clear that left side still needs to train higher than right, but how much higher?We have used 3 Hz-wide filters above 0-3 Hz because narrower filters have slower response times. The critical variable for the brain’s response appears to be the center frequency, so we can have a very specific effect even with a rather wide frequency band. We have now found that we can narrow the filter down toward zero, and still get a strong and specific training response at these low frequencies. Above 0-3 Hz, however, we still want to continue with 3 Hz wide filters. Continue reading “Below 0-3 Hz: Left and Right-Side Reward Frequencies”