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Cook Children's Neurosciences.
Neurosciences - We do it all for kids.


BiofeedbackChronic pain, headaches, insomnia, anxiety and other stress related problems can interfere with a child's school performance, and/or social and family life.

Biofeedback can give your child a drug-free, non-invasive way to improve his or her own health and performance. At Cook Children's, biofeedback is a part of our headache management program.

What is biofeedback?

Biofeedback is a pain-free way to get information about the activity inside your body. It can help you to become aware of early signs of pain, tension, anxiety or other discomfort, and teach you how to change them.

The process uses a computer to find the smallest changes in muscle tension, hand temperature, sweat gland activity, heart rate, or respiration. It translates that information into changes in a series of lights, musical tones, and number values on a computer screen. You can use this information to run a computer game. Awareness of tension and relaxation reverse the stress response. This teaches you how to relax deeply and quickly, which is the main goal of biofeedback.

What problems can be helped with biofeedback?

Biofeedback has been used successfully with chronic pain, migraine and tension-type headaches, tics, insomnia, and anxiety.

How long does it take?

The length of time necessary for the person to become free of symptoms varies according to two things: the symptoms they have and how often they practice. Daily practice of 20 minutes is necessary to experience the benefits of biofeedback. Most progress is made when appointments are scheduled once a week for the first three to five weeks. As positive changes are made, appointments can change to once every two weeks. Most people complete therapy within five to seven sessions.

How do I get started?

Your neurologist will evaluate your condition and refer you to biofeedback. The Neurology clinic will schedule weekly, hour-long biofeedback treatments.

What is my doctor's role in biofeedback therapy?

Your doctor will continue to be your source of medical information and advice, and will be responsible for making any necessary changes in your medication. You will be seen by your neurologist at each biofeedback visit.

How can I learn more about biofeedback?

Biofeedback therapist

Nanny Christie, PhD, LPC
Board Certified in Biofeedback, Senior Fellow

For more information contact the Neurology clinic at 682-885-2500.

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