11/20/2025
Learning, Attention and Memory Problems
“The sensory motor cortex is a central location for sensory and motor functioning. Specific parts of the brain control different parts of our bodies and thought processes. The sensory motor cortex plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of learning, attention, and memory problems. This site is frequently used in treatment for both historical and pragmatic reasons. The assessment at the top of the brain requires recording approximately 150 seconds of good data. Assessments are made during both eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions and during a cognitive challenge such as reading or doing mental arithmetic. At the occiput the therapist wants the theta/beta ratio to be high, over two or so, whereas at the top the ratio should be low, below two. Young children show higher theta/beta ratios than adults, a fact that reflects the developmental stages of the child. Children have higher amplitudes than adults, so an average theta/beta ratio of, say, 2.5 with a child does not raise the same concerns as it does with a forty-rear-old adult.
When the eyes are open and the theta/beta ratio is much above two, we suspect attention problems. If the theta/beta ratio remains high under both at-rest and challenge conditions, then attention difficulties are probable. Further, when the theta/beta ratio is high under challenge, comprehension may also be compromised. For the child, the brain simply is not active enough to retain the material being read. A far more serious problem occurs with large increases in the theta/beta ratio during a cognitive challenge. For example, if a ten year-old boy has a theta/beta ratio of 2.0 with eyes open at rest, but that ratio jumps to 2.6 when he does mental arithmetic, the child usually has an attention problem. The theta/beta ratio looks fine when the brain is at rest. However, when challenged, the brain “goes the wrong way.” Even though the child is trying to concentrate, the brain produces a wave form associated with daydreaming. This is an extremely frustrating condition for the child. The harder he tries, the worse the attention problem becomes. When the theta/beta ratio goes up after reading or remains at a high level after the task is completed, we then suspect a problem with retention.” pp. 69-71 Biofeedback For the Brain by Paul G. Swingle Ph.D. Questions? Treatment begins with a brain map qEEG. Call Fort Wayne Neurofeedback to set an appointment and ask questions. Ph. 260 432-8777