Databases or Specific Training Protocols for Neurotherapy? A Proposal for a “Clinical Approach to Neurotherapy”

Abstract

This paper reviews and summarizes the use of quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) and normative databases in the design and application of EEG biofeedback (neurotherapy) for clinical purposes. It is argued that such a statistical approach to EEG analysis ignores important individual patient data observed in the raw EEG. While databases provide important information for understanding brain function, they have important limitations for patient diagnosis and as guides to the training of brain waves. On the other hand, although the use of specific training protocols and the training of specific electroencephalographic frequencies have been shown to be useful in improving symptoms in different neurological and psychological disorders, they are insufficient to structure a rational neurofeedback training protocol. It is assumed that neurotherapy produces fundamental changes in brain function. Although there have been no published reports to date of iatrogenic problems arising from neurotherapy, the potential for such problems raises ethical concerns the individual practitioner should consider. In this paper, the advantages and limitations of databases and the use of specific training protocols are discussed, and a “clinical approach” for neurotherapy is proposed.