submitted by Maria Di Donato DEd, BCN, PA Licensed Psychologist, PA/NJ Certified School Psychologist
Both Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Concussion are serious injuries to the head and brain. These injuries can result from accidents, a fall, sports and physical aggression.
Oftentimes, the Individual is unaware of the severity of the damage at the time of injury. Reliance on X-rays and MRIs are not usually effective in identifying a TBI or a concussion.
The simple method of watching for changes in behaviors is not adequate. At Achievement & Wellness Center we use a Quantitative Electroencephalogram (Qeeg).
This is a recording of the brainwaves in both eyes open and eyes closed conditions. The recordings are sent to a laboratory where they are reviewed by a neurologist for discreet changes in the brainwaves. Another diagnostic tool is the use of a special analysis where the individual’s brainwaves for all the sites are averaged at single hertz bins from one to 30 hertz.
These averages are compared with a normal population of the same age for discrepancies in the averages. These discrepancies are presented in a statistical analysis of Z scores.
So, any differences in brainwave frequencies will be statistically significant. Once the Qeeg is done, the results are used to develop a specialized treatment plan that will remediate the injuries specifically and individually.
Results are remarkably accurate as the individual gradually begins to regain balance in cognitive, behavioral, and emotional states. Treatment initially is twice weekly with a focus on the most significant brainwave imbalances.
The second phase is connectivity training where specific areas of the brain have lost their connections due to the tearing and twisting of the fibers that connect the brain cells (neurons).
Stress management training in the form of Heart Rate Variability also empowers the individual to maintain emotional balance. During treatment, individuals begin to experience a decrease in the problematic processes which can be emotional and cognitive in nature.
As the individual gradually regains emotional balance and skills, they are able to feel more competent which enables them to return to a normal lifestyle.