Neurofeedback Side Effects

   

Because neurofeedback is essentially structured exercises for your brain, the term ‘side effect’ isn’t applicable in the same sense as for medications. Unlike medication, nothing is put into the body or brain. 

 

Neurofeedback is the brain equivalent of physical exercises, and the most common side effect of physical exercise is that you get tired. As with physical training, fatigue is the most commonly reported side effect after a session.

 

While brain training is in many ways similar to physical training, the brain expresses the side effects of training differently than the body does. The fatigue feels much like the mental tiring after learning a complex mental skill, or the exhaustion felt after speaking a non-fluent language.  

 

The brain is the seat of our emotional selves, so people with emotional conditions occasionally report an increase of old familiar emotions (or past symptoms) before the difficulty passes away and the issue fades out for good. It’s a bit like going to the gym and feeling that old injury acting up, revealing what’s beneath.

 

If you have had a physical brain injury or head trauma, you will likely be more sensitive to neurofeedback. You might experience nausea, dizziness, and light sensitivity as you ‘re-regulate’ your brain function. 

 

People often report vivid dreams as the mind settles into a more balanced position.

 

Based on your intake forms, we generally have a good idea of what of these effects, if any, you might experience. We monitor your brain activity during neurofeedback sessions, so can generally tell if your brain is getting tired or overworked and adjust your training accordingly.  

 

Neurofeedback is a learning process; it is a safe, non-invasive training technique. The changes usually take place quite seamlessly.