Many children and adults are treated at our adjoining office, Whole-Body Medicine, by my son, Dr. Adam Breiner, for various neurological, cognitive and behavioral problems using "Real-Time" EEG Neurofeedback Therapy and, sometimes, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

 

Very often baseline EEG evaluations reveal past traumas to the brain. Upon being questioned, a patient will remember an old biking or car accident or some other sort of blow to the head. Other times the patient won't recall anything, but a parent or spouse may recall a past head injury which the patient forgot. (Watch video on Real-Time EEG Neurofeedback).

On January 29, 2008, the Wall Street Journal ran a front-page article titled "Studies Cite Head Injuries as Factor in Some Social Ills". Below are some key points from several of the studies the article mentions:

At Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City researchers are investigating this problem. According to Dr. Wayne Gordon, "Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of social, educational and vocational failure". He also discusses the fact that this is unidentified in almost all cases. The research at Mount Sinai indicates that learning disabilities, homelessness, and even alcoholism in many cases may result from an underlying problem of brain trauma.

A study done in New Haven, Connecticut in 2000 found 7.2% of 5000 people interviewed remembered a blow to the head which caused confusion and, sometimes, unconsciousness. In testing these individuals it was found that they were twice as likely to suffer from depression, alcoholism and drug abuse. They also had increased rates of panic attacks and suicide attempts.

One study looked into how many students in special programs for those with learning disabilities had a history of a hard blow to the head. They found about 50% had such an event.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention figures that there are over 5 million people with mental or physical disabilities resulting from brain injuries. But the medical community has not linked these types of problems to less severe head traumas. Even whiplash can cause brain trauma. Studies indicate there is even a problem with the trauma of continually hitting a soccer ball with one's head.

What I found disappointing upon reading the Wall Street Journal article was the limited range of treatments being given at Mount Sinai. Patients go through six months of therapy, consisting of attention and memory exercises. While I am sure this approach is of benefit, they seem to be unaware of Real-Time EEG Neurofeedback therapy. Also, it seems they identify the problem via questionnaires pertaining to trauma and by taking a battery of tests. That's unfortunate, given that Real-Time EEG screening can actually identify trauma to the brain.

Understand that the Real-Time EEG to which I refer is the most sophisticated neurofeedback therapy currently available. It represents a breakthrough technology, which allows a precise interpretation of brain wave patterns. In Adam's office the conditions treated with this technology range from ADD to post-stroke complications.

 

Real-Time EEG Neurofeedback training sessions may enable the abnormal brain wave patterns to be "retrained" and brought back into a more normal and balanced pattern. Patients have often described amazing improvements after a series of these treatments. Some of the positive changes patients have reported include better focus, concentration, memory, mood, muscle function, and even reduction of chronic pain. (Watch video on Real-Time EEG Neurofeedback Training Session).

There are other symptoms, besides those listed above that can result from a blow to the head. These include vertigo, sleep problems, difficulty with organization, difficulty with reading or writing, problems with hand- eye coordination, difficulty with problem solving, and problems with social interaction.

There are many other problems that can be associated with abnormal brain wave patterns. Therefore, I feel that it would be a good idea to screen everyone with a baseline EEG. It is not an expensive test. Many of my patients who have participated in Real-Time EEG Neurofeedback therapy have told me, "It changed my life".

For more information on Real-Time EEG Neurofeedback you can visit the Library and Education section of WholeBodyMed.com and Neuropathways.com

© 2008, Mark A. Breiner, DDS

The information presented is for educational purposes only. You should consult a qualified dentist or health practitioner for diagnosis and treatment.

In a past newsletter on microwave ovens, I discussed how microwaving in plastic caused leaching of harmful chemicals. What about heating plastic outside of a microwave?

Science Daily (January 30, 2008), discussed leaching of Bis-phenol A (BPA) from plastic bottles. PBA is an endocrine disruptor. The amount of leaching was dependent upon the temperature. Pouring boiling water into polycarbonate drinking bottles caused BPA to be released 55 times faster than with cold water. Be careful what you put your hot drinks into.

A future newsletter will explore the issue of plastic bottles in more depth.

Dr. Mark Breiner's book, Whole-Body Dentistry, is available on-line at www.wholebodydentistry.com or by phone at 1.800.BOOKLOG (800.266.5564).

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About Dr. Mark Breiner:

Whole Body News Update expert, Mark A. Breiner, DDS, FAGD, FIAOMT, is a leading authority and pioneer in the field of holistic dentistry. He is the author of the popular consumer education book, Whole-Body Dentistry, a guide to the "dental connection" to whole-body wellness. With more than 30 years experience, Dr. Breiner has helped patients from across the United States and other countries attain a higher overall level of dental health and general well-being. Dr. Breiner is a past President of The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. He is in private practice in Connecticut.

"Whole-Body Dentistry is more than whether your teeth are healthy; it's whether you are healthy!" - Dr. Robert C. Atkins, M.D.

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Attention Meeting Planners:

Need an expert to talk about dentistry and whole-body health for your group or organization? Dr. Breiner, a popular speaker, addresses both lay and professional audiences. Call 203.371.0300 or send an e-mail inquiry to DoctorBreiner@wholebodydentistry.com

Yes, you may pass this e-zine along to family, friends, or associates that you feel may benefit from this information. Just please keep the entire issue intact.

If you are interested in using this article in your publication, please contact DoctorBreiner@wholebodydentistry.com for reprint permission.

Whole Body News Update is your free monthly e-zine to stay up-to-date on many dental health issues as well as other important alternative health topics; featuring articles, interviews with experts, actual patient stories, Q&A on holistic health topics, with emphasis on the "Dental-Whole-Body Health Connection". This e-zine is designed to help you become a knowledgeable participant in your health care choices.

If you would like to offer feedback or suggestions for future topics for this e-zine please e-mail Dr. Breiner at DoctorBreiner@wholebodydentistry.com
To learn more about Dr. Breiner and Whole-Body Dentistry, visit www.wholebodydentistry.com

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