Find answers to your questions by browsing the entries on this page or selecting a category below. Still have question? Click the 'Ask A Question' button and send your inquiry directly to Dr. Swingle.
 
 
Q - At age 10 I had surgery to remove an astrocytoma from the cerebellum of my brain. That was in 1964.

In 1993, I had a whiplash injury in a motorvehicle accident. At that time, the neurologist I saw at UBC claimed that he had never seen anyone walking about with such little operable brain tissue on board. It has always been a challenge for me to stay sharp and focused. As I get older (now 55), it is even more difficult. I usually accomplish what I need to do through biofeedback and mental challenges (like a math course, for instance).

A tune up is what I think I need and your optimal performance training seems attractive from both points of view. I keep thinking that I'm going to need all the help I can get.

Is your program appropriate for me?

A - I agree with you that the "brain brightening" (optimal performance training) would be most appropriate. Often the conditions associated with brain injury are exacerbated by age related declines, so the treatment we generally offer for the elderly to prevent dementias would be appropriate.

Q - I am a 58 year old business owner. I run a marketing and sales program. I have lost focus over the last 10 years. I now realize I'm operating on about half of my potential. Would you have a program that would help me get my focus and passion back into my life. I am in very good health and feel great physically, it is my mental game that needs improving. Thanks for now.

A - Sounds as though your 'get-up-and-go' has got up and gone. My guess is that you have a deficiency at the back of the brain that is associated with the brain's ability to restore itself. You may also have an age related decline that is a slowing of the alpha frequencies. We see many clients with complaints like your own. The treatment procedure is very straightforward. First we do a basic brain assessment to determine if our suspicions are correct about the areas that need "brightening" and to rule out other potential causes of your complaints. Once the neurological issues are determined we do some neurotherapy to bring brain functioning into acceptable range. As part of the treatment we would most likely prescribe some harmonics for you to use at home during and after treatment to keep the brain sharp.
Q - Hello- My 16 year old son has recently competed a psychoeducational assessment. In the WISC IV, he scored in the 2nd percentile for processing speed and 42nd for working memory. He is healthy. Can your methods improve processing speed?

A - Yes, neurotherapy can be very helpful for processing speed issues. The processing difficulties can result from many different areas of the brain including imbalances in the frontal regions of the brain, excessive slow frequency at various loocations and slow Alpha frequency. First step is to determine the exact nature and location of the brain inefficiencies and then correct them with neurotherapy.
Q - My daughter is an athlete and I am wondering if you would be able to work with her to help reduce her anxiety. She has previously gone to the Olympics, but puts a great deal of pressure on herself. Her sport is one that requires lowering her breathing and heart rate and being as calm as possible. Would you be able to assist her with your techniques?

A - Yes we would be able to help her. There are several protocols that are helpful. These include neurotherapy for optimal performance and peripheral biofeedback and relaxation techniques for quieting the mind and body to sustain hyper focus. Lowering respiration rate and heart rate is a straightforward peripheral biofeedback protocol.
<< PreviousNext >>