"There's something about hearing and seeing rhythms that's very comforting to us." -Dr. Sheldon Levin
This piece is introduces listeners to a neuropsychologist who practices a therepeutic technique called 'neurofeedback.' He sees patients ranging from closed-head-injury victims to kids with ADHD, and he wires them into these specialized video game type programs via cranial electrodes. The patients basically play these video games with their minds, and strengthen brain-waves of certain desirable frequencies in the process.
As part of a series of features about the idea of 'rhythm,' I visited this doctor and talked with him about the rhythms of the brain and how they work to regulate our lives. (I also got to play a video game with my mind, which was pretty awesome.)
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Piece Description
"There's something about hearing and seeing rhythms that's very comforting to us." -Dr. Sheldon Levin This piece is introduces listeners to a neuropsychologist who practices a therepeutic technique called 'neurofeedback.' He sees patients ranging from closed-head-injury victims to kids with ADHD, and he wires them into these specialized video game type programs via cranial electrodes. The patients basically play these video games with their minds, and strengthen brain-waves of certain desirable frequencies in the process. As part of a series of features about the idea of 'rhythm,' I visited this doctor and talked with him about the rhythms of the brain and how they work to regulate our lives. (I also got to play a video game with my mind, which was pretty awesome.)
Broadcast History
This piece aried originally on WYPR's arts program The Signal, on 09.22.06.
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Emon Hassan
Posted on November 23, 2006 at 10:30 AM | Permalink
Review of Mind Control: Neural Rhythms and the Beat of the Brain
We all fall into a rhythmic pattern in this world. Some of us are more attuned to our own rhythms (the animals, the insects), and some of us seem to get accustomed to rhythmic behaviors set up for us (the humans).
Neurofeedback, the subject of this piece, is not a concept. It's a scientific method that proves to us, humans, that you are in charge, largely, of your bio-rhythm. But we humans need to see it on a monitor first to believe our own powers. Dr. Sheldon Levin, thankfully, thought of it too.
The piece tells us two things. One, there is hope for people with head injuries or people needing therapy due to other illnesses, thanks to Dr. Levin's technique. And two...no one can stop the blue rocket from winning if it has your attention.