Marvin Sams

The Sams Center difference

Neurofeedback, the foundation of NeuroMatrix Neural Efficiency Training™, is not new. Its effectiveness and safety in treating a variety of brain related problems can be traced back to 1968 in a scientific study showing a reduction or elimination of seizures. Marvin Sams, an expert on the electroencephalogram (EEG, or brain wave analysis) and brain performance, has spent the past 20 years researching technologies that enhance brain function. For example, NeuroMatrix Neurofeedback Training has greater scientific validity than any other therapy for mental fitness and dysfunctional brain conditions. All protocols used have shown the ability to remediate (“normalize”) dysfunctional brain wave patterns, thereby reducing or even eliminating a variety of symptoms. Other technologies that have demonstrated the proven ability to remediate brain dysfunction have been added over the years, accelerating the training process and further enhancing results.

As you will discover, Marvin Sams is “data driven.” The initial evaluation discovers the neurological inefficiencies, all protocols used are those proven clinically to remediate brain dysfunction, and an EEG before each session documents progress.

Neural Efficiency Evaluation™

The NeuroMatrix Neural Efficiency Evaluation™ measures and details the brain’s ability to function at optimal levels under the stress of a task.

The evaluation consists of:

Symptom Questionnaires

Questionnaires define and categorize symptoms that relate to mood and attention issues and point to areas of dysfunction in the brain.

Auditory and Visual Continuous Performance Test

The Continuous Performance Test is a 15 minute test that presents 1s and 2s on the computer screen while simultaneously expressing 1s and 2s through headphones. The object of the test is to click on 1s and not click on 2s. The results show weaknesses in auditory and/or visual response control, focus and attention. This test serves not only to define present abilities but also to suggest areas of brain dysfunction and to serve as a baseline to determine progress.

Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG)

The QEEG is the heart of the evaluation. Testing is done under both resting (eyes open and eyes closed) conditions and under task. The task is standardized with the playing of Tetris, which activates and challenges several major brain areas, including the important frontal lobes.

The EEG patterning is visually analyzed by Marvin Sams to determine medical issues such as epilepsy and then analyzed with a Normative Reference Database, a statistical analysis that compares the brain wave patterning to those of normal, age matched subjects. The normative database reports looks for areas of the brain that are over or under active, and measures Coherence for signs of locked or under connection communication networks and Phase for energy that is moving too quickly or slowly for efficient brain function

The initial QEEG allows the documentation of brain inefficiencies and serves as a reference to determine progress at each session.

Review of results

After the testing data is compiled and analyzed, Marvin Sams meets with the parents or client to discuss the findings.

NeuroMatrix Neural Efficiency Training™

NeuroMatrix Neural Efficiency Training™ synergistically combines three well researched types of nervous system training. Sessions include:

Neurofeedback (brain wave) training

All Neurofeedback protocols used are those created and developed by Marvin Sams , a medical professional with over four decades of clinical and research EEG experience. These proprietary, clinically proven sessions provide information to the brain on how it producing 11 frequency groups keyed to intellectual functioning, focus and attention, and memory. Some sessions are preceded by Audio-Visual Entrainment sessions to unlock locked-down patterns such as are seen in some with attention and mood problems.

Pegasus AVE™

Audio-Visual Entrainment programs created by Marvin Sams help “pull” or “nudge” the brain out of “stuck” brain patterns. Audio-Visual Entrainment is a technique that takes advantage of the brain’s ability to respond to rhythmic light and sound. As tiny LEDs flash in special eye glasses and tones pulse through headphones, the brain waves “follow” the rhythm of the light and sound. This response literally “exercises” (activates) specific nerve cells and performance areas, helping the brain change patterns held for years.

Heart Rate Variability

An important component of NeuroMatrix Neural Efficiency Training™ is balancing of the Autonomic Nervous System (“fight or flight” response). Heart Rate Variability (HRV) training is a biofeedback process that teaches breath regulation. Learning to slow and control the breath leads to balanced emotions, a sense of well being, and greater applied intelligence.

Documenting Progress

To measure progress, a Quantitative EEG is done before each session and statistical comparisons are made to the initial QEEG evaluation and the previous session. Normative Reference Database reports are also run periodically to evaluate improvements in under and over firing brain areas, communication networks (Coherence), and speed of information transfer (Phase). This attention to detail allows the determination of how much progress has been made session to session. This important benefit is currently offered only at The Sams Center.

Symptoms typically reduce as training progresses, usually starting around sessions 10 to12. Many will complete the training in 24-30 sessions, though those with a history of trauma, drug use, or complex symptoms will likely require a few more sessions. It is further expected that, as the brain gains experiences by interacting and communicating with people and the environment, improvements will continue over the next several months after training is complete.

A brighter and brighter future

When our brain has sufficiently improved its efficiency, our moment-to-moment ability to function at higher levels "just happens;" No additional effort is required on our part. And, just as we can jump on a bike years later and our brain "remembers" how to do it, our brain and nervous system doesn't forget what it learned with NeuroMatrix Neural Efficiency Training™. Focus, learning, mood, memory just get better and better.