Acquired brain injury refers to any damage to the brain that occurs after birth, including traumatic brain injuries from accidents, strokes, infections, tumours, or lack of oxygen to the brain. These injuries can have profound effects on multiple aspects of cognitive and emotional functioning.
Attention and Concentration Difficulties:
Processing Speed Impairments:
Working Memory Problems:
Executive Function Deficits:
Emotional Regulation Challenges:
Traditional brain injury rehabilitation often focuses on compensatory strategies—teaching patients ways to work around their deficits. While these approaches can be helpful, they don't directly address the underlying brain dysfunction causing the problems.
Neurofeedback takes a different approach by targeting the brain's natural capacity for neuroplasticity—its ability to form new neural connections and reorganise itself. By training the brain to produce more efficient patterns of electrical activity, neurofeedback can help restore function rather than simply compensate for deficits.
One study investigating the specific impact of Neurofeedback on attention deficits in patients with acquired brain injury found that patients who received neurofeedback had improved significantly more in attention than the control group.2 The study also found that after ten sessions, 67%of patients could better regulate their attention toward ‘normal’.2 A separate study found similar results, with patients receiving neurofeedback scoring higher on intrinsic alertness.3
An ongoing study examining the use of Neurofeedback to treat symptoms of traumatic brain injury (a type of acquired brain injury) has published preliminary results. So far, it found neurofeedback can improve attention, impulse control, processing speed, short-term memory and mood.4
While more work is needed to fully understand the interaction between Neurofeedback and brain injury1,4, preliminary literature shows exciting promise for neurofeedback in treating symptoms of some brain injuries. In our own practice, we have first-hand experience of how neurofeedback can offer significant improvement for individuals living with brain injuries.
At Mindstate Psychology, we don't use a one-size-fits-all approach to brain injury treatment. Every brain injury is unique, affecting different neural networks in different ways. Our comprehensive EEG and ERP assessment process ensures that your neurofeedback training targets the specific areas where your brain needs the most support.
QEEG Brain Mapping: Our quantitative EEG scans create detailed maps of your brain's electrical activity, revealing:
ERP Cognitive Testing: Evoked Response Potential testing measures how your brain responds to cognitive challenges:
Neuropsychological Assessment: Comprehensive cognitive testing to understand:
Based on your assessment results, we develop individualised neurofeedback protocols that:
Neurofeedback training for brain injury recovery is completely non-invasive and comfortable. During each session, three small sensors are placed on your scalp to monitor brainwave activity—no electricity enters your brain. You'll watch a movie game while your brain activity is monitored in real-time, and the display responds to your brainwave patterns—becoming clearer and more engaging when your brain produces healthier patterns. Over time, your brain learns to produce more efficient patterns automatically, leading to improved cognitive function.
It's important to understand that recovery from brain injury varies significantly between individuals. Factors that influence response to neurofeedback include:
Neurofeedback can typically begin once a person is stable and able to participate in the assessment process, noting that it can take up to 6 months (or longer!) for the brain to stabilise following a major injury. We may require medical clearance from a medical doctor or neurologist before we begin.
While earlier intervention often shows better results, neurofeedback can be beneficial even years after injury.
Neurofeedback is considered very safe for individuals with brain injuries. The process only monitors brain activity—no electricity is sent to the brain. However, we always coordinate with your medical team to ensure appropriateness.
Neurofeedback is considered very safe for individuals with brain injuries. The process only monitors brain activity—no electricity is sent to the brain. However, we always coordinate with your medical team to ensure appropriateness.
Neurofeedback for brain injury recovery typically involves 20-40 sessions over several months, with each session lasting about 30 minutes. During your first visit, we conduct comprehensive brain mapping (QEEG) and cognitive testing to identify exactly which brain networks were affected by your injury. This assessment takes about 70 minutes and forms the foundation of your personalised treatment plan.
During neurofeedback sessions, you'll sit comfortably while small sensors monitor your brain activity. You'll watch a movie that responds to your brainwave patterns - becoming clearer when your brain produces healthier patterns. Most people find the experience relaxing and enjoyable.
Timeline expectations are important to understand: Many people notice subtle improvements in sleep or mental clarity within the first 10-20 sessions, with most substantial and lasting changes occurring after 25-40 sessions. Factors like time since injury, severity of damage, and individual neuroplasticity influence your specific recovery timeline.
Unlike traditional rehabilitation that teaches compensatory strategies, neurofeedback directly targets the underlying brain dysfunction. This means improvements often continue building even after treatment ends, as your brain maintains the healthier patterns it has learned. Regular progress monitoring through repeat brain scans provides objective evidence of your recovery.
Effective TBI treatment typically combines multiple approaches including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy available through Perth's major hospitals for immediate rehabilitation needs. Cognitive rehabilitation programs help develop compensatory strategies, while neuropsychological therapy addresses emotional impacts like depression and anxiety. Advanced neurofeedback therapy, available at specialised clinics linke Mindstate Psychology, targets the underlying brain dysfunction rather than just teaching compensation strategies.
The most comprehensive approach combines traditional rehabilitation with neurofeedback once you're medically stable and ready for active cognitive training. At Mindstate Psychology, we coordinate with your medical team to ensure neurofeedback complements your overall recovery program, using QEEG brain mapping to target exactly which networks need support.
We track progress through repeat QEEG assessments, cognitive testing, and standardized questionnaires measuring daily functioning. This provides objective evidence of improvement beyond subjective reports.
Yes, many individuals experience improvements in mood regulation, irritability, and emotional control through neurofeedback training. Brain injury often affects emotional regulation centers, which can respond well to training.
Coverage varies by insurance provider and policy. Some private health insurers provide partial coverage for the initial assessment. We recommend checking with your insurer about coverage options. Neurofeedback is not covered by Medicare or the NDIS.
Unlike generic cognitive training programs, our neurofeedback is based on a detailed assessment of your individual brain patterns and targets the specific neural networks affected by your injury. We target specific areas of brain dysfunction, and use neuroplasticity - your natural ability to change your own brain - to gain improvements in cognitive processing and function.
Neurofeedback works well alongside other brain injury rehabilitation approaches, including medical treatment as recommended by your primary and specialist medical care team. Neurofeedback can also complement occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation programs.
Brain injury recovery is a journey that requires patience, persistence, and the right support. Our comprehensive approach combines cutting-edge technology with expert clinical care to maximise your potential for cognitive improvement.
Mindstate Psychology is a private practice and does not provide emergency mental health services.
If you're worried about harm toward yourself or others, or you are otherwise experiencing an emergency, please call 000.
