Our Technology - HEG (Hemoencephalography)

HEG (hemoencephalography) is the study of blood flow in the brain. More specifically, it is the study of voluntarily controlled blood flow or oxygenation in chosen brain modules. Blood brings oxygen and the basic nutrient, glucose, at life sustaining levels to all parts of the brain. Our brains have an amazing ability to supply extra blood preferentially to those modules in current use.

Several instruments have been developed which use blood flow to the brain as a marker for neurofeedback training.  We use near infrared HEG (nirHEG) developed by Hershel Toomim. This instrument shines light through the skin and skull to assess the color of brain tissue. Oxygenated arterial blood is red, deoxygenated venous blood is blue. Increased demand for nutrition results in faster blood flow and redder blood in the tissues.  We use this instrument for a wide range of conditions, particularly with traumatic brain injury or cases where the frontal lobes are not functioning at optimum levels.  The brain is trained to increase oxygenation by using computer-based interactive games and DVDs.