EEG-Driven Light Sound Stimulation (EDLSS) is an experimental new
treatment for Attention
Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It uses completely natural forms of
stimulation (flickering light and pulsing sound) to renormalize the brainwave
frequency profiles of individuals with ADHD.
Preliminary studies have shown that this important new technology can
lead to significant improvements in verbal IQ scores, enhanced ability
to pay attention, and reduced hyperactivity. We believe that this
technology has the potential to replace the use of stimulant drugs
as a treatment for ADHD for a significant percentage of those affected by that
condition.
What is EDLSS?
ADHD is thought to occur because areas of the brain involved in paying attention are
under-activated (metabolic rates are low) and thus do not receive as much oxygen or blood flow as they
should.
Brainwave measurements show that those with this condition tend to produce too much
theta (slow
wave activity associated with daydreaming) and not enough beta
(faster activity associated with focused thinking) brainwave activity. The most common treatment for this condition involves the
prescription of powerful stimulant medications, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate
(Ritalin), drugs which stimulate the entire brain, including regions associated with attention.
It has been known for some time that modulated light and
sound stimulation can
induce significant changes in brainwave activity. Only recently has
research indicated that such stimulation can also be used to gently
"nudge" brain activity into more normal functioning. As this
happens, behavior and mental performance become more normalized as well.
Why could it be preferable to stimulant
medications?
Research has shown that ADHD is often associated with reduced
production of the low beta and sensorimotor response (SMR) portions
of brainwave activity, together with increased production of theta
brainwaves. Because EDLSS treatment is primarily home-based it costs considerably
less and does not require the multiple visits per week to a treatment clinic
required by biofeedback.
In short, it promises to become a fast, cheap and effective alternative to drug
treatment for ADHD. And--importantly--it does not produce the sorts
of side effects associated with Ritalin, Adderol and the other stimulant
medications commonly prescribed for the treatment of ADHD.
Treatment paradigm
A small, easy-to-apply sensor is placed on the user's
forehead. This
sensor detects and analyzes brainwave (EEG) activity and uses this information
to select sensory stimulation frequencies. This stimulation consists of
patterns of flickering light and audio stimulation heard through headphones. A typical
treatment "session" lasts twenty to thirty minutes; a full course of
treatment consists of approximately forty sessions, and can generally be
administered at home.
How effective is it?
Studies conducted thus far have shown that EDLSS may confer some or all of the
following benefits:
For a summary of the results of these studies, click
here.
Who can benefit from EDLSS?
The studies conducted to date have involved both boys and girls, and many of
them have experienced
significant benefits. It is also possible that
adults with ADHD could benefit from this treatment as well.
Status of Treatment
EEG-Driven Light Sound Stimulation is currently an experimental
treatment. It is our intention to complete clinical trials and
obtain FDA Premarket Approval as a treatment for ADHD.
Contact us
If you are interested in learning more about this
revolutionary new technology, please
contact us.