Brain Paint

Color me skeptical about the potential medical uses of biofeedback, but I have to admit that Bill Scott’s new technique called Brain Paint is pretty cool.

For those of you unfamiliar with what EEG (Electroencephalography) biofeedback is its supporters claim it can treat any number of mental disorders including Addiction, Anxiety, Attachment Disorder, ADHD/ADD, Migraine, Autism, Autoimmune Dysfunction, Chronic Pain, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Conduct Disorders, Depression, Eating Disorder, Epilepsy, Fetal Alchohol Syndrome, Learning Disabilities, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Pre-Menstrual Syndrome, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Tourette’s Syndrome and Traumatic Brain Injury.

The way it works is like this:

A single electrode is placed on the scalp (above the motor strip, typically) using gel or paste and two other electrodes are attached to the earlobes. Most patient recline during training.The game computer is placed a few feet away, directly in front of the patient. The patient interacts (only using her EEG) with the game computer for the next 30 minutes.From the EEG Spectrum International FAQ:

The EEG biofeedback training is a painless, non-invasive procedure. One or more sensors are placed on the scalp, and one to each ear. The brain waves are monitored by means of an amplifier and a computer-based instrument that processes the signal and provides the proper feedback. This is displayed to the trainee by means of a video game or other video display, along with audio signals. The trainee is asked to make the video game go with his brain. As activity in a desirable frequency band increases, the video game moves faster, or some other reward is given. As activity in an adverse band increases, the video game is inhibited. Gradually, the brain responds to the cues that it is being given, and a “learning” of new brain wave patterns takes place. The new pattern is one which is closer to what is normally observed in individuals without such disabilities.

“Successful” treatment is seen over a gradual amount of time and patients are encouraged to attend multiple weekly sessions costing anywhere from $50 - $125 per individual session. After awhile sessions can be cut down but daily sessions are encouraged.

No kidding?

While it is true that many researchers and corporations have successfully demonstrated that a human subject can control certain electronic devices just by thinking about it, I am somewhat doubtful as to the realistic medical applications biofeedback can provide for people suffering from any form of brain disease.

For now it seems all Brain Paint can really do is at least allow you to make some cool artwork with your mind (and bank account) in the form of some amazing fractal imaging. Below are some of the best examples from his website.

 

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