By Martin Brink, Board-Certified in Neurotherapy and QEEG:
Clients with PTSD often feel “hijacked” by their own memories. Whether it’s a sudden flashback or a constant sense of dread, they are frustrated that their Brain refuses to acknowledge that the danger has passed. They are tired of living on high alert, waiting for the next “hit” of adrenaline.
They want to know: ‘What is a better therapy for PTSD?’ Beyond prescription drugs or the exhausting process of repeatedly reliving the event in talk therapy, is there a way to tell the Brain that it is finally safe?
In order to look for a reasonable answer, it’s a good idea to examine the function of the affected organ: The Brain.
Based in Neuroscience, QEEG Brain Mapping can identify the dysfunctional patterns of PTSD in Brain activity.
Neurotherapy offers a drug-free pathway to real and lasting change; because PTSD is — without a doubt — a Functional Brain Disorder.
But what exactly does that mean?
Real client’s LoRETA loop: Red = faulty, excessive activity
All our Abilities, Behaviours and Experiences arise from the electrical activity in our Brains.
Electroencephalography (EEG) records electrical Brain activity from the scalp with very little fuss:
Quantitative EEG (QEEG) analyses the Brain’s electrical activity: Green = normal levels.
If our Brain’s electrical activity is out of order, it affects our Abilities, Behaviours and Experiences.
When Brain activity isn’t normal, it shows up in the EEG. See for yourself (psychiatric client):
QEEG maps: Yellow = a bit too much, Orange = clearly too much, Red = crazy too much activity.
In Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the Brain is locked in a state of over-arousal, the alarm system (Amygdala) is always “ON” and the “OFF-switch” (Prefrontal Cortex) isn’t working well. QEEG findings in PTSD consistently reflect this state of vigilance, external focus, and the inability to rest.
Understanding these electro-physiological signatures is crucial for targeted Neurotherapy with Neurofeedback to help restore normal Brain function by addressing the physiological root cause of the symptoms.
Below you’ll see some of the abnormal patterns that are consistent with PTSD, according to research and clinical experience.
Excess High Beta = Hyperarousal
PTSD clients often show heightened, very fast HiBeta activity, especially across the frontal midline, as their Brain keeps scanning for threats, even in safe situations.
This pattern corresponds to Hypervigilance, Irritability, Racing Thoughts, and Trouble Relaxing or Sleeping — as if they’re always ready for Fight or Flight.
Hypofrontality — weak Prefrontal Cortex
When traumatic memories are triggered, the Brain’s Self-control system — the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) — is overpowered by the Amygdala (Alarm system). This leads to further under-activation and “weakness” of the PFC (Hypofrontality). This pattern is also seen in clients with Headaches/Migraine or Anxiety.
Clients often experience Loss of Control, Emotional Flooding, or Anger Outbursts they can’t stop. It’s as if the Rational Brain gets hijacked by triggers.
Low Alpha Power
Alpha waves (8-12Hz) represent the Brain’s “neutral gear”, a state of calm, but awake relaxation. PTSD Brains often show low voltage Alpha, especially in the back of the Brain.
Clients literally cannot “idle in neutral”. They feel tense, jumpy and unable to switch off, contributing to Anxiety and Sleep disruption.
Right Hemisphere Overactivation
The right hemisphere processes emotion, imagery, and body sensations. In PTSD, this side of the Brain often goes into overdrive, which may explain non-verbal flashbacks, gut-level fear, or somatic distress without clear thoughts or memories.
This pattern is common in clients who “relive” trauma through vivid images, nightmares, or bodily sensations like tightness or pain.
PTSD Treatment Neurofeedback - Selected Scientific References
