What Are the Neurofeedback Side Effects You Should Know About?

Neurofeedback techniques measure your brain activity to help you gain control over your thoughts and emotions. Emerging research has found that neurofeedback may support symptoms in some medical conditions. Studies are still ongoing, and future data is needed to discuss long-term effectiveness on larger sample sizes. Read our article to find out about neurofeedback’s safety considerations and what you can do to lower your risk for side effects.

What is neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback therapy is a form of biofeedback therapy that monitors changes in the brain's activity and provides real-time feedback. This is a non-invasive technique, meaning it doesn't involve the insertion of a medical instrument into the human body. Typically, it monitors brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG) sensors.

It is a mind-body technique, as it may help strengthen control over certain involuntary bodily functions, such as your heart rate. Real-time feedback shows you how your brain reacts to certain triggers; for example, when you're tired or anxious.

Over time, neurofeedback may help you gain more control over certain negative feelings or sensations. For instance, over time, it can teach you to recreate relaxing sensations and deal with stress more efficiently.

How does neurofeedback work?

The application of neurofeedback involves placing electrodes or a band on certain parts of your head and monitoring brain activity. You'll receive audio or visual feedback to see your brain's reactions to certain triggers.

The EEG data measures certain brain waves. These include:

• Alpha waves. These occur when you’re relaxing and not concentrating on something specific.
• Beta waves. These occur when you’re in a conscious state and concentrated.
• Delta waves. These are detected when your brain is in deep sleep.
• Theta waves. These happen when you’re having a light sleep or engaging in a deep relaxation session.

Neurofeedback sessions are now available both at home and in a clinical setting. At-home neurofeedback devices offer a personalized approach and you can choose one based on your experience level.

You should use neurofeedback devices under the supervision of an experienced practitioner. Your doctor can decide whether neurofeedback is the right treatment for you.

What are the neurofeedback side effects?

A 2016 study reports that while neurofeedback therapy is safe and may help improve your symptoms in certain conditions, most studies have limitations and unanswered questions. We don't know how many neurofeedback therapy sessions people need to gain control over their brain wave activity or for how long people can experience the potential benefits without adverse effects.

Till now, studies have focused on short-term use, and it can take months for people to notice improvement with neurofeedback. Sessions can be expensive, and a lot of insurance companies don't cover the cost of such treatments.

With that being said, one systematic review showed that neurofeedback can cause mild side effects when used to manage chronic pain from traumatic brain injury or central neuropathic pain syndrome.

Risk factors for side effects

Medical conditions and other factors can increase your risk for neurofeedback side effects. Let’s take a look at them:

• Improper use. You should undergo neurofeedback under medical supervision. Your physician can monitor how well your body is responding taking into consideration other treatments you may be using.
• Preparation. The EEG is used on a clean scalp. You may have to avoid using hair products that can interfere with the electrodes.
• Seizures. If you have seizures, EEG can increase your risk for seizure episodes during the neurofeedback session.
• Device quality. If you’re using a home portable device, ask a neurofeedback practitioner for advice. Some home devices may not be of high quality and trigger side effects.

If you're considering EEG biofeedback, your physician will ask about your medical history. This helps determine if the EEG application is safe for you and how the electrodes will be placed.

Your doctor might advise against using neurofeedback devices if you have heart disease, asthma, or transplants.

Also, biofeedback as such shouldn’t be used if your body is completely paralyzed, and it shouldn’t be the only treatment if you have severe high blood pressure. Medical professionals may have to take extra precautions for someone with acute psychiatric symptoms.

How to minimize neurofeedback side effects

To reduce the risk of side effects, you should:

1. Engage in a short neurofeedback session if beginning neurofeedback therapy, and then increase the duration as you get used to it.
2. Stay hydrated so you don’t get headaches.
3. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
4. Get in a regular sleep pattern, as it may help you gain better control over your emotions.

Attending neurofeedback sessions in a professional medical setting can also help lower your risk for side effects.

An EEG technician is someone who is licensed and has received neurofeedback training to perform an EEG session safely. They can help you prepare for the session and advise what you can or can't do before the appointment. They can also monitor your health and recommend how you should take other medications to help you experience the maximum benefit.

If you’re seriously considering neurofeedback, seek medical advice, even if you want to buy an at-home device. This type of treatment should always be used with a medically-approved device to improve outcomes.

Seeking professional help

Keep a journal and write down any side effects you might have. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recommends reaching out to your doctor as they may adjust the EEG session and duration or suggest a different treatment plan.

In any case, your doctor should be your main point of contact when you’re concerned about your health. Seek professional health if you want to learn more about biofeedback and/or adjust your treatment plan.

What do you say about neurofeedback? How was your experience? Let us know in the comments.