Case of AI Guided QEEG Neurofeedback in a Pro-Surfer with PTSD.

1. The Thousand Yard Stare
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Case:
Legendary Big Wave Surfer

2. A Paradigm Shift is Happening
2
CONFIDENTIAL

3. What Is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
PTSD is an acronym for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a
psychiatric disorder that may develop in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic
event. Events that may lead to PTSD include natural disasters, serious accidents, acts of terrorism,
war and combat experiences, or rape. PTSD may occur in people threatened with death, sexual
violence, or severe injury. Complex PTSD is a specific subset of PTSD that occurs in long-term
trauma and can require long-term treatment. Stress disorders can occur when an individual
experiences trauma that is not extreme but causes significant day-to-day life issues.
How does a surfer end up with PTSD?
The sport of surfing is very much like combat. The participants suit up in their padded wetsuits, akin
to armor, gather their boards to do battle against the elements. There is a massive adrenaline surge
before and during a swell. After the waves passed, many surfers report symptoms similar to
depression. This is an adrenaline crash. In some instances, the surfer gets into a situation that
causes them to fear their life beyond the sport's typical risks. This might come in the form of being
knocked unconscious, being held under, and feeling completely helpless to help oneself.

4. Where does PTSD appear in the brain?
In PTSD, the area is specific and can be detected using various forms of neuroimaging. Using QEEG and Artificial
Intelligence, it is possible to identify PTSD and effectively treat the symptoms.
In PTSD, when a massive chemical discharge of adrenaline occurs, loss of brain volume in the areas of the
Hippocampus, which has a significant role in memory and emotional regulation, the prefrontal cortex, which has a
basis in decision making and the corpus callosum, which is the bridge between the two hemispheres of the brain.
Recent studies in fMRI imaging demonstrate this can occur within 1-3 months following a traumatic event and
persist for decades. Additional studies have confirmed the long-term health consequences of untreated PTSD,
which include an effect on the Cardiovascular system leading to a greater chance of stroke or heart attack. The
brain with indications showing that PTSD may play a role in early-onset Alzheimer's Dementia.
Rehabilitation using Neurofeedback has been shown to reduce the symptoms of PTSD in randomized controlled
studies, and individuals who undergo treatment for PTSD demonstrate a return of the brain volume in the areas
that were damaged.

5. Myneurva can identify PTSD?
Though the analysis of thousands of EEGs using our patented Advanced Neural Network Analysis (ANNA)
software, we are able to identify the pattern of PTSD with a high degree of accuracy.
We have noted that PTSD is easily identified in the left occipital-temporal-parietal junction in a area called
association cortex. This area is over active especially when the eyes are open. We surmise this finding is due to
hypervigilance being generated by the brain in order to keep the subject alert and active.
Our experts have decades of experience in treatment of PTSD using various therapeutic modalities including
Neurofeedback.
Based on our extensive outcome database of individuals who have experienced the difference of Myneurva
Neurofeedback, we have the unique ability to devise the most efficient Neurofeedback Training Protocol based on
the brain patterns of individuals who have completed our training.
Learn more about ANNA here: https://myneurva.com/features/anna/

6. Individual Case
Identifying Information - Professional Surfer
● Male
● Early Thirties
● Elite Athlete
● Top Five Big Wave Surfers in the World
● Went on a surf holiday to Fiji between competitions, Jan 2010
● Had severe wipeout - could not move due to wave compression on neck
● Rescued in Code Red Conditions
● Hours on a rural road with broken vertebrae to get to the helicopter
● Was sure he was going to die or never walk again

7. Symptoms and Interpersonal Issues
Emerged over a few months, not at the time of the incident:
● Insomnia
● Panic
● Flashbacks
● Memory Problems
● Nightmares
● Crying Spells
● Thoughts about death and a short future
● Avoidance of catching waves of consequence when surfing
● Fear of "dropping in"
● Poor showings in competition
● Relationship problems

8. Referred to Dr. Starr for Depression
The subject was a fit and outgoing male with an excellent physical build. He was on time and
appropriately dressed for the appointment and walked with a cane. Initially, he denied having any
problems aside from sleep issues and feeling sad. His eyes filled with tears when describing the
rescue incident, a lump formed in his throat, and his eyes drifted off into a trance-like gaze.
On diagnostic evaluation for PTSD, he scored in the severe range.
He exhibited significant core features of flashbacks, avoidance, and hyperarousal.

9. Subject's QEEG - Showing PTSD
Many individuals have undiagnosed or improperly diagnosed PTSD and are inappropriately treated
for a different psychiatric disorder such as Bipolar, Depression, or ADHD. Quantitative
electroencephalography (qEEG or QEEG) is a field concerned with the numerical analysis of
electroencephalography (EEG) data and associated behavioral correlates. Using QEEG, a brain
scan of a subject's brain is compared to a certified normative database of other scans to determine
what major structural issue might be present. The z-score is the number of standard deviations a
data point is from the population mean.
Case Example
Treatment recommendations based on z-score variance
20 Myneurva Remoted Guided QEEG Neurofeedback sessions
Protocols to teach self-regulation of brain function
Each Session = 1 hour
Best Results = Training 3 or more sessions per week

10. Subject’s Pre-Neurofeedback Treatment QEEG
Eyes Closed Eyes Open

11. Can Neurofeedback help PTSD?
Neurofeedback is a promising and emerging tool for reducing the symptoms of PTSD.
Neurofeedback can reduce anxiety, improve sleep, reduce flashbacks, improve memory,
concentration, and reduce substance abuse behaviors. Neurofeedback is considered an alternative
therapy for PTSD.
How does Neurofeedback help PTSD?
Neurofeedback is a method that assists subjects in controlling their brain waves consciously. After
the initial QEEG, you can see the areas where your brain is not functioning optimally.
Neurofeedback will attempt to allow your brain to improve itself in the needed areas.
How many Neurofeedback sessions are needed for PTSD?
Generally, 20 sessions are sufficient for reducing the symptoms of PTSD. This is done through
one-hour training sessions in which an individual works with the computer to balance their
brainwaves.

12. Subject’s Post Treatment QEEG Scan
Eyes Closed Eyes Open

13. Subject’s Results after Neurofeedback Treatment
● Sleep improved within the first 10 sessions
● Mood gradually improved over 20 sessions
● Anxiety subsided completely
● Anger decreased
● Memory improved
● Able to return to surfing with a successful season on tour
● Felt as though reaction time and reflexes improved

14. Can PTSD Be Cured?
As with all mental illnesses, PTSD is considered not strictly curable. This means the symptoms can
be reduced to the level of causing no effect on day-to-day functioning, but the diagnosis does not
go away once it has been given.
“Using Remote Neurofeedback, I was
able to get back out into the surf and
charge with confidence, Mahalo.”
- H Lardington
Resolution