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

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We have recently shifted from wide inhibits to multiple inhibits in our clinic. This is useful in more clearly separating our understanding and implementation of rewards and inhibits. It also moves us along in shifting the burden of managing inhibits to the software and letting the clinician focus on adjusting reward frequency.

The wide inhibits (2-13 and 14-30 Hz) have effectively covered the entire range of 0-30+ Hz. High amplitude activity, meaning a transient increase in amplitude at any frequency, is detected and inhibited. We have for some while found the wide inhibits to be more clinically effective than narrower inhibit bands in most cases. And separate thresholds on the lower and higher frequency bands allow more effective feedback since amplitudes can be very different at high and low frequencies. Multiple inhibits now take us further in that direction, allowing the inhibit thresholds to fit the spectral like a glove rather than a mitten. (more…)

While I have appreciated the power and flexibility of BioExplorer, I also realized that we needed to increase its user-friendliness for general clinical use. I have been working on designs that are easy to look at and understand and require minimal adjustments within a session. This first set of designs implements our basic one-channel training with high and low inhibits and adjustable reward band.

The raw EEG and filtered bands are displayed as usual. The raw EEG is displayed with a 0-30 Hz filter, which gives a nice clean trace. The raw EEG filter affects only the oscilloscope display — not the signal that is passed on to the other filters or spectral display, so the high frequency activity is still available if needed. I have chosen a fixed scale for the raw EEG so that different EEGs can be meaningfully compared. Any BioExplorer variable can, of course, be changed as needed, but I am trying to minimize the need for such adjustments within and between sessions. The filtered traces auto-scale so they fit consistently on the screen. Threshold elements are available for changing auto-goal criteria, but auto-scaling bar graphs are also shown. This allows us to see how the signals relate to the thresholds without constantly re-scaling the threshold displays. The compressed spectral array shows about 12 seconds of EEG data, which can be related to the raw signals above. The filter element easily allows shifts in reward frequency (or inhibits) during the session. Filters are carefully selected to optimize the clinical efficacy. The design also supports tactile feedback and poor electrode contact detection when using the Neuroamp. Neury’s amplifier plugs directly into the Neuroamp. The tactile output is very smooth and adds significantly to the power of the feedback. The “Check Electrodes” box turns red when poor contacts increase the noise in the signal. When alerted to the problem by the red box, it is simple to use the built-in Neuroamp impedance meter to see which electrode is coming loose. (more…)