Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Treatment

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is an umbrella term for a set of symptoms associated with discomfort and dysfunction of the digestive system. There are a range of causes for IBS, including high stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, abnormalities in gut microbiome, and abnormalities in the nervous system. While most cases of IBS are mild, symptoms can be persistent and in severe cases debilitating, limiting an individual’s ability to be far from a bathroom at any point in time. A growing body of research is giving us insight into the crucial links between the gut and the brain, and while lifestyle choices can help alleviate some symptoms, treating the brain with neurofeedback therapy can help alleviate IBS symptoms and triggers.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms

Abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating
Difficulty having a bowel movement
Changes in appearance of stool
Changes in frequency of bowel movements
Constipation
Diarrhea

Neurofeedback Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Neurofeedback can be very helpful in treating IBS. One cause of IBS is disrupted communication between the body’s central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and the gut. When this pathway is disrupted, bowel function deteriorates and can lead to the range of symptoms that individuals with IBS may experience. More and more evidence is emerging about the Brain Gut Axis (BGA), or the importance of this link to many of our body’s systems, including our mental health. Neurofeedback therapy can help improve function in the brain, thereby restoring some of the faulty communication with the digestive system. Dr. David Haase, MD stated in regard to Neurofeedback and IBS “I view my brain map, heart rate variability assessment, and neuropsychiatric profiles with neurocognitive testing as important as any stool test.”

Stress can exacerbate and trigger IBS symptoms. In addition to retraining the brain, Neurofeedback can help reduce and manage stress associated with IBS.

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How does Neurofeedback work?

1. Brain map

Brainwave assessment identifies imbalances and helps to create a personalized treatment plan.
2. Treatment setup

Non-invasive sensors and headphones are placed on your head and the treatment session begins.
3. Brain activation

Software translates your brainwave data and stops or starts audio/visual media based on your brain activity.
4. Conditioning

In response to the audio/visual feedback, your brain adapts and learns to regulate your brainwaves and build new, healthy neural pathways.
5. Brain Training

Over time with continuous brain training, healthy brain activity in target regions increases, and symptom-associated activity decreases.