Common Questions

Q: For what types of problems is QEEG-guided neurotherapy helpful?
A: ADD, ADHD, Anxiety, Aspergers, Autism, Behavior Disorders, Bi-polar, Chronic Pain, Depression, Closed Head Injury, Dyslexia, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Impulsivity, Learning Difficulties, Parkinsons, Peak Performance, Post-partum Depression, Seizures, Stroke, Sleep Disorders, Stress, Tic Disorders.

Q: Why are patients so pleased with QEEG-guided neurotherapy training?
A:  Recent news releases about adverse effects of drugs used for ADD/ADHD have concerned patients.  QEEG-guided neurotherapy is a drug-free alternative that remediates many different problems. To know that both children and adults can function normally without the use of drugs is an important discovery.

Q: What are the advantages of QEEG-guided neurotherapy compared to drug therapy?
A:  Drugs do not “cure” a problem, and very often have harmful side effects such as decreased appetite, insomnia, or lethargy.  QEEG-guided neurotherapy is non-invasive, holistic, and there are no significant side effects. It resolves (remediates) problems instead of temporarily suppressing or “masking” them. The patient becomes able to perform well on his own, without having to depend on drugs.

Q: Are there side effects from the therapy?
A: Usually, there are none. Occasionally, a person tries too hard, grits his teeth, and gets a tension headache.  We tell him to “relax and let the brain do it,” and there are no more headaches.  No long-term ill effects have been reported from QEEG-guided Neurotherapy to normalize brain wave activity.

Q: How does QEEG-guided neurotherapy work?
A: QEEG-guided neurotherapy is the process of teaching the brain to correct abnormal brain wave patterns and to produce normal patterns. It resolves neurological, psychological, and learning difficulties.  First, an EEG (electroencephalogram) is administered. Then, a computerized analysis is made of that EEG (called a QEEG or a “brain map”), which is a comparison of the patient’s brain wave activity with the brain wave activity of someone of similar age who does not have the same problems as the patient.  Dr. Walker analyzes the QEEG to determine where brain wave patterns deviate from the norm and to determine where re-training of the brain is necessary; thus, the name QEEG-guided neurotherapy.  During a QEEG-guided neurotherapy training session, two to four electrodes are placed on the patient’s scalp while an EEG records brain wave activity.  The patient then plays a game, similar to a video game, with his brain waves.  When the patient produces normal brain waves, a positive reinforcement (feedback/reward) is given.  For example, if the patient is playing the “Pac Man” game, the Pac Man will move (reinforcement/feedback) when the patient makes the desired brain wave activity.  When the brain produces abnormal brain waves (i.e., those associated with ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia, reading problems, etc.) no reward (reinforcement/feedback)) is given (the Pac Man does not move).  Since the brain is a “learning machine,” it will figure out a way to make more of the normal brain wave activity and less of the abnormal activity. During the course of the therapy sessions, as the patient’s brain wave activity improves, the therapist makes the “video game” task more difficult.  After several sessions, when the patient has learned to make normal brain wave activity, symptoms cease.  At that point, the feedback is no longer necessary. This retraining of the brain is accomplished in the same way as other types of learning, by providing positive feedback when desirable behavior occurs. This form of learning is called operant conditioning.  The effect is permanent (like learning to ride a bicycle).

Until recent years there has been relatively little research done on the mechanism of neurofeedback.  With recent interest in the field, more research is being generated.  Most practitioners believe that the training results in the establishment of new connections or the strengthening of existing connections in the relevant brain pathways.  Dr. Walker is an authority in this field.  Therapists at Neurotherapy Center of Dallas use a method Dr. Walker developed, the modular activation/coherence approach, which achieves superior results.

Q: What is an EEG (electroencephalogram)?
A: EEG is the abbreviation for electroencephalogram.  It is obtained by placing electrodes on the scalp and recording the electrical activity of the brain at 19 different locations.  The test takes about one hour and is painless.  This test is analyzed by Dr. Walker who is a board certified electroencephalographer.  Dr. Walker’s professionalism is important at this phase of the process.  He can identify or rule out possible epileptiform (seizure) abnormalities, or other related problems that might exist.

Q. What is a QEEG (Quantitative EEG?) 
A: QEEG (quantitative EEG) is the abbreviation for Quantitative Electroencephalogram. It is also known as a Brain Map. The QEEG is derived by digitally analyzing the EEG. The data obtained by the EEG is run through several databases that compare data from the patient with individuals in the same age range who do not have the same problems as the patient.  Dr. Walker personally reads each QEEG, and from the QEEG analysis he makes individualized recommendations to guide the training sessions.

Q: Why is the QEEG (Brain Map) so valuable?
A: Often times one or more symptoms of a problem will be evident (such as ADD or ADHD); however, other problems may exist—such as auditory or visual processing problems, reading problems, anxiety, or depression.   The QEEG (Brain Map) can identify such problems. The training can then address all of the problems during the course of the treatment.  It must be noted, that many times problems masquerade as ADD, but other problems exist, which are just as significant, and need to be addressed.

Q: Why don’t all practitioners use QEEG-guided neurotherapy?
A: The treatment is relatively new and is the state of the art treatment for many problems.  Most practitioners have not been trained in EEG, QEEG, and neurotherapy.  A significant amount of hands-on experience is necessary to learn how to do it.  It is technologically intensive, and the equipment is expensive.  Some practitioners use neurofeedback that is not QEEG-guided; however, the results are usually not as successful as those guided by the QEEG.

Q: How many QEEG-guided neurotherapy sessions are required?
A: This depends on how severe the abnormalities found on the QEEG are, and how many different problems are addressed.  Training may be accomplished in as few as 10 sessions, but on average, 20-50 sessions are required.  More sessions may be required for severe problems.

Q: How frequently should EEG-guided neurotherapy training sessions be done? 
A: EEG-guided neurotherapy is a learning technique (operant conditioning). If training is done less than two times per week, the patient forgets, and more sessions are required.  Most people train two or more times per week.  With more frequent training, results are seen more quickly. EEG-guided neurotherapy training produces permanent improvement.

Q: How long is a session? 
A: A typical session lasts about 30 minutes; however, individual patients may require shorter or longer sessions.

Q: Is the training painful?
A: No. The training is painless and non-invasive.

Q: Is training successful for both children and adults?
A: Yes.

Q: What is the success rate for QEEG-guided neurotherapy training?
A: Our success rate is over 90%.  QEEG-guided neurotherapy training is usually successful if the patient is cooperative.  The training may not go well if the patient is stressed, sleep deprived, or ill.

Q: Will I continue to take my medication during the training?
A: Usually we are able to decrease or eliminate medications with successful training.  The medication does not interfere with the training and may be continued until it is no longer necessary.

Q: How young can a child begin QEEG-guided neurotherapy sessions?
A: Usually children can begin training at about five or six years of age.

Q: Will insurance pay?
A: Most insurance companies will pay.  If not, our clinic gives a discount for patients without insurance. Call our clinic for verification of your insurance benefits.

Q: Are Saturday training sessions available at the Neurotherapy Center of Dallas?
A: Yes.

Q: What is the usual procedure at Neurotherapy Center of Dallas?
A: The patient first has a thorough evaluation by Dr. Walker, a board-certified neurologist.  He determines if additional tests will be useful in helping to further diagnose the patient’s problems.  A QEEG is then ordered.  When the results of the QEEG are complete, a follow-up session with Dr. Walker is scheduled to explain the results and the plan for training sessions. Next, training sessions begin. Often another QEEG is ordered during the course of the sessions or at the conclusion of the series of sessions to determine the effectiveness of the training.

Q: Why should I choose Neurotherapy Center of Dallas rather than another clinic that does neurotherapy?
A. Neurotherapy Center of Dallas is a medical clinic.  Dr. Jonathan Walker is intensely involved with the discovery and use of ways to help patients heal, rather than just to have their symptoms suppressed.  Dr. Walker combines his traditional neurological medical practice with other successful non-drug treatments such as QEEG-guided neurotherapy.  Patients receive a thorough neurological evaluation and treatment. Each patient receives individualized treatment protocols administered by our professional, trained therapists who offer guidance with each session.

Q: What are Dr. Jonathan Walker’s credentials?
A: Dr. Walker is a nationally recognized pioneer in the field of neurotherapy and a researcher in areas of learning difficulties.  He is a neurologist who is board certified in electroencephalography.  Dr. Walker is the President of the American Board of QEEG Technology, and has served as the President of the Neurofeedback section of the AAPB.  He is the founder of the Neurotherapy Center of Dallas.

Q: Who are Dr. Walker’s associates at Neurotherapy Center of Dallas?
A: We are proud of our well-trained associates who provide the highest quality care for our patients:

• Bill Barnhill, M.Ed.; BCIA-C; LPC-I
• Tonya Callaway, Ph.D., BCIA-EEG
• Deirdre L. O’Neill, M.D., BCIA, LCPC
• Lindsay, D. Wilson. M.S., BCIA-EEG

Q: Where can I learn more about Neurotherapy Center of Dallas?
A: Our website is: www.neurotherapydallas.com Or, call 972-991-1153.

Q: Where can I learn more about Dr. Jonathan Walker’s work?
A: Listed on the next two pages are of some of Dr. Walker’s published works on QEEG-guided neurotherapy.

Q: What if I have further questions?
A: Call our office or attend one of our free information seminars held twice monthly.  Contact our office for seminar dates.

Q:  Where is Neurotherapy Center of Dallas?
A:  We are in Dallas, on the Southeast quadrant of the intersection of  Hillcrest Rd. and LBJ Freeway (I-635).  12870 Hillcrest Rd., Suite 201, Dallas, TX 75230.

Q: How do I make an appointment to begin training?
A: Call our office at 972-991-1153.