Technology
Life Worth Living has the most complete neurofeedback laboratory in the Chicagoland area. We have the most advanced technology for recording electroencephalograms (EEGs) and have five different types of technologies to apply to patients to best meet their individual needs.
NeuroGuide Analysis Software
This is the most complete digital analysis software for EEGs and provides an extensive array of analyses to aid in the most accurate diagnosis of neurological conditions. In addition, we use the Life Span Database, which provides a comprehensive comparison of patients' data to the norms based on gender, age, and handedness.
Biography Infiniti Neurofeedback System by Thought Technology Ltd.
For standard neurofeedback training, we use the Biograph Infiniti system. It is the most powerful neurofeedback system in the world and is manufactured and distributed from Montreal, Canada. It enables us to customize the patients' treatments and obtain many types of statistics to review the patients' progress during treatment. It has maximum flexibility to customize training to meet the individual patient's needs.
We use the Biograph Infiniti system for standard neurofeedback training. This system employs three criteria for training: low inhibition, high inhibition, and reward. We can program the system to monitor designated location(s) and respond when the low frequency data (generally 1–12 Hz) falls below the threshold value, or when the high frequency data rises above the threshold value. Thus, we can customize the patients' treatments to lower or raise brain activity at designated locations. This system provides many types of statistics to review the patients' progress during the course of treatment.
Low Energy Neurofeedback System
This type of neurofeedback is known as 'Direct Neurofeedback', in that it monitors the treatment location and provides an RF signal based on the dominant frequency found plus or minus an 'offset' that trains the brain to replicate a new frequency instead of producing too much of the dominant frequency. This system is especially good for abnormally high amounts of low frequencies (1–12 Hz). It is also an excellent treatment to calm epileptic activity and concussion symptoms, since the two-channel system balances both cerebral hemispheres. It is also ideal for learning disabilities, autism, fetal alcohol syndrome, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) since it is effective in lowering abnormally high amounts of low frequencies.
The LENS system comes with one- and two-channel software. We can use the one- or two-channel system to raise or lower a specific frequency band (e.g., 1-4 Hz, 4-8 Hz, 8-12 Hz, 12-16 Hz, 16-20 Hz, or 20-42 Hz) at one or two designated locations. The system is ideal for suppressing abnormally high dominant frequencies found while monitoring two corresponding locations. This is effective in suppressing erratic activity associated with imbalances found in cases of epilepsy, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, as well as in cases of learning disabilities, autism, fetal alcohol syndrome, and frontal slowing that results from using certain substances, poor diet, etc.
Z-Score Coherence Neurofeedback
We use this system to effectively train two locations where the internal communications is not effectively and reliably being sent or received. This system enables us to correct the conditions often found in TBIs and concussions, as well as developmental deficits inhibiting the internal communications in the brain resulting in poor language (finding, interrupting, and using words), mathematics, memory retrieval, and executive functioning (planning, strategizing, organizing, making decisions, etc.). Improvements in coherence are associated with more applied neuroscience-integrated and effective thinking and behavior, including greater intelligence, creativity, learning ability, emotional stability, ethical and moral reasoning, self-confidence, and a reduction in anxiety.
We use the hardware and software from Deymed Corporation and the database from Applied Neuroscience Inc. to effectively train two locations where the internal communications are not effectively and reliably being sent or received. This system enables us to correct the conditions often found in TBIs and concussions, as well as developmental deficits inhibiting the internal communications in the brain.
NeuroField Neurofeedback
(www.neurofieldneurotherapy.com)
NeuroField is a group of 'Direct Neurofeedback' systems that we provide that can administer an extremely low amount of electromagnetic stimulation to enhance and treat neurological conditions. This system can be a more powerful intervention in balancing brain activity or raising/lowering activity levels at designated locations. The effects can reduce symptoms as well as facilitate the brain's ability to reorganize, resulting in improved functioning.
We use NeuroField Neurofeedback to enhance and treat neurological conditions. An extremely low power stimulation is applied that can dynamically change the neurological activity in the brain. We use this technology to provide treatment and record information that assists in bringing about the changes patients need to function fully and consistently.
LORETA Neurofeedback
(http://www.uzh.ch/keyinst/loreta.htm)
We use the hardware from Deymed Corporation and the software and database from Applied Neuroscience Inc. and the KEY Institute to effectively identify and train the subcortical areas of the brain with the most accurate software and technology available. The Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography system enables us to do functional localization and connectivity to see and train brain activity in the full 3-dimensional aspect of the brain. We can program this system to treat specific Brodmann area(s) and/or activity networks involved in various symptoms and conditions that may be resistant to other forms of neurofeedback treatments.
HeartMath
We do heart rate variability training using emWave Pro as an adjunct treatment to aid in calming the anxious inner states of patients before engaging in neurofeedback training. Together, these technologies enable one to have greater balance in their internal state, resulting in greater appreciation, care, love, and compassion.
Measurable Results
Measurable results are very important, so Dr. Kowal personally tracks each individual patient's progress and meets with them regularly to review statistical results and clinical improvements.
Dr. Kowal and his staff are actively engaged in acquiring and learning about the best, proven technologies available for neurotherapy that help treat psychiatric conditions to reduce and eliminate the need for pharmaceutical medications.