By Tanner Gaede for the Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday on Coursera

1. Biofeedback
The Amazing Plasticity of the Brain
By: Tanner Gaede

2. What is
Biofeedback/
Neurofeedback?
Biofeedback is the learning of knowledge of one’s own
physiological functions. Neurofeedback specifically is
the process of acquiring awareness of our own brain.
Through the use of an EEG (Electroencephalograph),
we are able to see the electrical activity of our brains,
and with that knowledge, modify our brain activity.

3. How does neurofeedback work?
Neurofeedback works through the process of Operant Conditioning. Operant Conditioning is a method
of learning that seeks to reward specific behaviors, while also sometimes punishing unwanted
behaviors. In the case of Neurofeedback, the brain is trained to produce specific behaviors, and is
rewarded when it does so. With the incredible plasticity of the brain, it will continue to seek this reward,
oftentimes unconsciously. New neural pathways are formed, while others will be discouraged from
being used.

4. Why does it work?
The brain forms memory in many different ways. Through the continued use of Neurofeedback, the brain
activity goes from working memory, to implicit memory. For example, someone with high anxiety who is
prone to panic attacks, might start hyperventilating when in a nervous situation. With training, this can be
modified so that when a nervous situation appears, instead of immediately hyperventilating, and going into
a fight or flight mode, the person can approach the situation in a calm manner with normal breathing. By
training so that a normal reaction becomes the focus, we are able to help a person in ways that they might
not normally be helped.

5. What does this have to do with me?
By understanding that you can train your own brain, you realize that you
can change your life for the better. Many mental health issues in the
world today can be helped by seeking out a professional, if that is
available to you.

6. Neurobiology and
the Everyday
Through the education of this course, I have been able to see the
people around me in a more understanding way. Odd things, like how
eyes see through the use of rods and cones, and how light plays a role
in that, so that I know how to more properly light a room. Or more
serious things, like the effects of lesions in certain areas of the brain,
that can be used to identify stroke. Learning more about your own
bodily functions, and the nervous system that controls it all is
incredibly important in the day to day of our own lives, and can help us
all lead fuller and more educated lives.

7. Thank you!