Concussion & Stroke
Stroke and concussions are the result of injury to the brain. In stroke, the injury can be a result of excessive bleeding that damages specific cortical tissue and reduces function in the areas of the body it controls. In concussion, the injury is the result of an impact to the brain. Concussion can be characterized by a period of unconsciousness. Individuals suffering from a concussion can often suffer from post-concussive syndrome, which is a group of physical, cognitive and emotional changes occurring in varying degrees. These changes can include mood changes, memory loss, emotional problems, sleep problems, reading or speaking problems, understanding what is being said and attention and concentration problems, to name a few. Emotional or personality symptoms can include irritability, anxiety, mood swings, depression, low tolerance for frustration and explosive temper.
Individuals with concussions often feel “isolated” and are unable to resume normal functions. Concussions are cumulative and multiple concussions increase impairment levels.
How can neurofeedback help stroke and concussion? A quantitative electoencephalogram (QEEG) helps to identify the affected cortical areas and the specific brain wave difficulties that then serve as a guide for neurofeedback training
Treatment of stroke and concussion requires a thorough evaluation that includes medical history, neuropsychological assessments, mental status examinations and information from relevant medical professionals as well as the QEEG results.
To schedule your appointment, please call us at 215.321.9502. For your convenience, you can use our online Request an Appointment form.
Seizure Disorders
Seizure disorder was the first successful application of neurofeedback. In the beginning of the jet age in the early 1970s pilots were experiencing seizures from inhaling the jet fumes. This was from a substance, haldol, in the fumes. The military searched for a safe effective way to prevent seizures without impairing performance. Brainwave research at UCLA by Dr. Barry Sterman was underway for modifying brain waves in cats. In cooperation with the military, and after successfully preventing seizures in cats with neurofeedback, Dr. Sterman initiated a program with the military to train pilots to do neurofeedback to prevent seizures. This program of neurofeedback was successful and is used today to remediate seizures.
Seizure disorder is diagnosed by a Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG) where the specific components of the seizure activity is identified. From this diagnostic procedure, a treatment plan is developed. A QEG is essential before any neurofeedback treatment can begin.
There are many types of seizures, and duration of treatment is specific to the type of seizures being controlled. Over time, neurofeedback will help retrain the brain electrical activity and restore normal functional skills thus reducing the frequency and severity of seizures.
As a side note, the pilots in the study serendipitously were reporting they were more alert and focused and in control and enjoying the added bonus of the neurofeedback. This led researchers to begin considering neurofeedback in treatment of ADHD, the second successful, among many other disorders later researched and successfully included for neurofeedback treatment.
Watch Maggie's Story
To schedule your appointment, please call us at 215.321.9502. For your convenience, you can use our online Request an Appointment form.
Treating Depression with Neurofeedback
Depression is a disorder that can interfere with a person’s overall feeling of well-being. Foremost, this condition affects how a person thinks or feels. It can also trigger a reduction in brain activity.
People struggling with depression may experience tearfulness or have difficulty smiling. They also tend to appear gloomy and flat. The feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are often pervasive and may be accompanied by changes in appetite, irritability and sleeping patterns.
There are three types of depression that generally are seen by professionals:
- Reactive depression: often resulting from an affliction of a disease, injury to oneself or loved ones, death in the family or other trauma
- Endogenous depression: often long-term with no external trigger
- Chronic low-grade depression: commonly regarded as persistent low mood
Once a person experiences depression, it is believed that subsequent occurrences are more probable. Frequently, antidepressants or stimulant medications are used to treat depression. Response to antidepressant medication varies with individual and requires close supervision of a physician.
Can neurofeedback help depression?
Depression is associated with changes in brain wave activity. In general, depression is a state of imbalance in the brain wave activity. Neurofeedback rewards and trains the brain waves to change, which results in changes in the behavior and emotions associated with depression. Depression is a common diagnosis in neurofeedback practice and is readily remediated. Psychotherapy, counseling therapy, stress management and relaxation training are also effective in helping individuals cope more favorably with environmental stressors.
Often during the course of treatment, individuals find antidepressant or stimulant medication are not needed. The patient should be monitored by their prescribing physician for any prescription changes that may be necessary. We recommend that all our patients taking medication consult with their prescribing physician regarding neurofeedback treatment in order to monitor their progress. Neurofeedback is also recommended for those who do not have a favorable response to medication and those counseled to avoid medication, particularly pregnant women.
Experience highly attentive and compassionate care for depression at Achievement & Wellness Center. Patients come to us from Bucks, Montgomery, Mercer, Burlington and Philadelphia counties, in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
To learn more about our treatment solutions for depression, please contact our friendly office staff at 215.321.9502 with your questions or scheduling needs. For your convenience, you can use our online Request an Appointment form.
Read what some of our patients have experienced...
Neurofeedback is very helpful to me and my emotions. When I come a lot (2x a week), it helps me feel better. I feel less anxious and depressed with the help of Neurofeedback. I feel like I concentrate more, which helps me focus in areas I need to, instead of ones I don’t. Coming to receive neuro has made me a better person. I look forward to coming every week because I like improving. ~ Anonymous, February 2015
I have been under the care of Dr. Di Donato for the past several months. i have experienced positive results in battling anxiety and depression. My mood is lifting and I feel less anxious. I deal with stressful situations in a calmer demeanor. If anyone is considering this treatment, I would not hesitate to give it a try. ~ Name withheld, February 2015
I started my treatment in October, 2013 and have been a patient over a year. Since that time, treatment with Dr. Di Donato has helped me progress thoroughly through many obstacles. I have overcome school, anxiety and other issues.
I feel that many people would benefit from this treatment. I feel as an individual that the treatment of Dr. Maria Di Donato has helped me progress towards success. Before I started treatment with Achievement & Wellness Center, I could not see in front of me. Now I have a clear vision of life and see things not seen before.
Now in 2015, I am completely changed and reborn. I graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Computer Technology and I have a more positive outlook on life and more hopeful for events to come. Thank you Achievement & Wellness Center. ~ J.S.
Neurotherapy is a breakthrough in psychological sciences. With it I’ve been able to control my bipolar mood swings, gained more attention of my surroundings, and I’ve become less depressed. It has also had a huge effect on helping me quit smoking. 80 days smoke free and counting. ~ Anonymous, 2014
"Before I discovered NeuroFeedback treatment, I had suffered from anxiety and depression. My grades were only getting worse with time and there was never an easy night of falling asleep. Now after one year of treatment I have brought my grades up to an A average and I never experience trouble going to bed at night. I have completely come off of my antidepressant medication in the time I have been in treatment. NeuroFeedback had significantly changed my life in just my first few months and I strongly believe that with the right attitude, it can help just about anyone." ~ Jenni, March 2013
"I had been suffering from anxiety and depression all my life. In the past ten years, this started having an effect on my physical well being. With my immune system severely compromised and a myriad of other health complaints. I was thrilled and amazed that by non-drug treatments; Dr. D was able to help me. By correcting the source of anxiety, depression and irritability, this is the first year where I have not needed to be on several rounds of antibiotics for infections and my resistance to colds has greatly improved. I am much more productive at work and I can actually enjoy life in my time off. Thank you!" ~ Anonymous, February 2012
"My first experience with Neurofeedback came as I searched for a way to help my daughter with her ADD. She and I were both amazed at how quickly the sessions helped her with her focus, and behavior. Later, I broke two vertebrae in my back and was surprised to find Neurofeedback could also be used for pain management. Within a few sessions I was permanently off Vicadin. For the remainder of my recovery I was pain and drug free. It wasn't long before I noticed an added benefit, my mood also improved. I was calmer, happier and less affected by outside stresses. I am a strong supporter of this program and very thankful to Dr. Di Donato and her belief in its value." ~ V.S., September 2011
I’ve had bipolar disorder for as long as I can remember. I’ve always had problems in school and with basic functioning because of it. So I tried therapy, many different drugs and none of it worked. I eventually gave up. I had a string of unhealthy relationships, dropped out of high school and couldn’t hold a job. My grandmother told us about Dr. D. and I decided to check it out. A few months after I started seeing Dr. D, I was able to end the unhealthy relationship I was in and get my GED. Now I have a job I’ve been at for almost 2 years and I’m engaged to a wonderful man. I wouldn’t be where I am if it weren’t for Dr. D. My life is on the right track and I can never thank her enough for that. ~ Danielle D. July 2011
“I used to have severe anxiety and have much trouble falling asleep at night. I also had tremendous restlessness in my body and especially legs-keeping me awake for hours and pacing. Neurofeedback has really helped with my anxiety and especially my restlessness. I can now fall asleep easier and sleep better. Dr. D. has really helped me.” ~ Anonymous, May 2011
"Dear Dr. Di Donato & Staff"
Thank you for all your help. Our daughter just keeps doing better & better, amazing us at every turn. We owe it all to you. Happy Spring & Happy early Easter time!" Love, (Name withheld) March 2011
“I am so thrilled with the results I am seeing! When my daughter started, she was failing all her classes & threatening to quit school. Now, she’s carrying all C’s & finished classes early! She will be graduating on time in 2 weeks! We have reached the point where we were able to reduce one medication in half! The goal-to eliminate the medication. This all happened within 20-30 minute sessions!” ~ Anonymous
“After years of trying other types of therapies and counseling we are so happy to finally see our children make progress and move in a positive direction socially and academically.” ~Anonymous
“Our son presents with Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.). Since beginning Neuro Bio Feedback we have noticed many changes in a short period of time. His memory has improved, and he has not been “staring into space”. He appears to be more”intuned” to conversations, and other things going on in his environment. While he has always done well in sports, his skills, and overall coordination appear to be “sharper”. He has stopped taking his medication for A.D.D. and is functioning well academically in the classroom. We are thrilled with the changes we have seen, and look forward to many more positive results from Neuro Bio Feedback.” ~ Mrs. M.
Our experience here with Dr. Di Donato and staff has been life changing for our daughter whom has high functioning Autism. I as a mother of two girls am so happy for how it has improved every aspect that we were concerned about when we first came here well over a year ago. It has improved her life tremendously and our lives together as a family. For example, she could not really understand a conversation or hold one until this therapy, she could not draw until this therapy and then won an art contest at school and loves drawing and has a hidden talent. She could not let me wash or dry or brush hair without screaming before neurofeedback, now none of that is a problem and she takes a shower too. She never wanted to hug or kiss or play with or even talk to her sister, now she wants to sleep in her bed and plays with her, hugs & kisses her and and us too.
Thanks to everyone here for changing our daughter forever for the better. This is the most amazing therapy I have ever had the privilege to witness and feel. ~ L.L.M.
Dr. D has saved my life. I was suffering from anxiety. It had halted my life and I was no longer to function daily. Since working with her I am able to drive by myself and go out in public. I am still in recovery but have complete faith that soon I will be functioning better than I was prior to the anxiety. ~ Lynda
I was introduced to Dr. Di Donato at a workshop in May of 2015. Her passion and knowledge compelled me to seek treatment with her for my son. My son has been diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, and mood disorder. Medications and intensive therapy were not helping my son with his severe behaviors. During our first meeting, Dr. Di Donato was confident that she could help my son, which in turn gave me hope and excitement to start treatment. My son has been seeing Dr. Di Donato since June of 2015 and I have seen significant changes. My son is now on only 1 medication, has been more focused at school, severe behavior outbursts have almost distinguished, and he just seems to be happier! I personally feel relieved, and I am extremely impressed and proud of his achievements. I can enjoy a more 'normal' life, without stressing when my mobile rings during school hours. I can't say say enough about the positive experience we have had working with Dr. Di Donato and her staff. ~ T.R.
Neurofeedback has been a large component of my recovery. 1 1/2 years after my concussion, I found neurofeedback. I very quickly noticed a complete change in my functionality, migraines, anxiety, and chronic pain. I feel like myself again-- something I wanted so badly. Dr. Di Donato helped me feel like a typical 20 year old college student, and I would 100% recommend coming here. ~ Anonymous
I found neurofeedback to be most helpful for anxiety and mild depression. Most importantly, positive progress was achieved without taking drugs. ~ Anonymous