By Siegfried Othmer, PhD

On the occasion of the release of the film ‘Concussion‘ it is only appropriate that we add our voice to those that have already been raised on this issue. The reason is that neurofeedback is really the only remedy currently available for concussions. The plain truth of the matter is that the medical cupboard has always been bare when it came to concussions, and that remains true to this day. Read More »

By Robert Grove, PhD
Software Developer for PhysioData’s GP8-s

Sidebar:
Hooray! The latest iteration of Cygnet software for the Neuroamp now provides for skin conductance, finger temperature, finger pulse tracking, and EMG tracking. For the savvy practitioner, the addition of these somatic measures will provide a rich source of information about what is happening during neurofeedback sessions. I anticipate more chatter on the forum about somatic-neurofeedback relationships, and much better understanding of individual differences in reactivity as revealed by somatic responsivity.

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By Siegfried Othmer, PhD

An underlying theme at both conferences, whether implicitly or explicitly, was the relationship of traditional biofeedback and neurofeedback, which is still being sorted out. This issue was put on the table right after Sue’s opening Keynote address by Eric Peper. His shotgun had three barrels, and he discharged all of them at once. “Why do you restrict your attentions to a single measure, the EEG?” he asked—perhaps not in those words.
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The Western Association for Biofeedback and Neuroscience Conference, and the Northeast Regional Biofeedback Society Conference

By Siegfried Othmer, PhD

Early November is the traditional time for the regional conference, and this year I got to attend two of them. Both the Western Regional and Northeast Regional conferences reflect new vitality within the field, with the growing interest in Infra-Low Frequency neurofeedback as well as low-level magnetic stimulation on the neurofeedback side, and in Heart Rate Variability on the biofeedback side. On the East Coast there was additional interest in near infrared thermal training of brain function and in virtual reality for help with fear of flying.
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By Siegfried Othmer, PhD

Once again the nation goes into reflexive agonizing over yet another mass shooting, in the face of which we feel so helpless.

The obvious remedies are not available as a practical matter. The attachment to our firearms has deep roots in our nation’s history, going back to the British attempt to strip the colonists of their weapons in Massachusetts. The quarter million that are in private hands will remain there, by and large. This is a bountiful resource for anyone seeking to accumulate their own arsenal, and will remain so for the foreseeable future.

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By Siegfried Othmer, PhD

The National Academies Press has just published a volume on the topic of the huge unmet burden of neurological disorders. The report covers a recent workshop dedicated to this topic. Appraising the state of affairs is the relatively easy part of the task:

”…malfunctions in the central nervous system (CNS) instigate a wide range of devastating symptoms. The associated illnesses include developmental, psychiatric, and neurodegenerative illnesses, many of which are chronic and cause serious and long-lasting disabilities. Together, they are extremely prevalent and have an enormous impact from cradle to grave.”

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