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You are here: Home / Gastroenterology / The First Brain and the Second Brain (Part 2)

The First Brain and the Second Brain (Part 2)

August 16, 2018 By Julia Erb

The amazing human body has two brains: the one we are all familiar with that is encased in the skull and a lesser known but equally important one found in the human gut. The connection between the two brains is so close, when one gets upset, the other does too. In Part 1, we talked about how the two brains are connected. In Part 2, we’re talking about how to measure the fitness level of your brain and how to strengthen your brain with customized brain fitness exercises. If you missed Part 1, read it here.

When patients visit the office of their medical doctors, standard tests and procedures are performed to allow for appropriate diagnostic and optimal intervention recommendations.

At the medical practice of Dr. Mona Dave, a patient may have tests done upon the initial visit, such as upper and lower endoscopy. Based on the results of the tests performed, the patient is then provided an overview of results and recommendations to best treat their condition or concern.

Brain Fitness can now similarly be measured by gold standard tests, which then allow an experienced provider to ascertain best possible interventions and training programs.

In Part 1 of this two-part blog, I mentioned one of Dr. Dave’s patients whose medical tests were in the clear, thereby prompting a referral to look at brain fitness levels as being possible contributors to gut concerns. The NeuroCognitive assessments will show distinct patterns of the brain, potentially revealing a brain that is primarily wired for anxiety (which has numerous gut interactions), or a brain that has the wiring of poor sleep and attention concerns, or perhaps one with a history of concussion/traumatic brain injury. 

All of these patterns can be specifically measured, with detailed reports outlining severity and specific location in the brain where the level of performance is under or over active.

How to Measure Brain Fitness with NeuroCognitive Assessment: 

MEASURE: 

  1. Computerized Cognitive Assessment & self-report questionnaires via Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNS-VS) 
  2. Brainmap, Quantitative Electroencephalograph (QEEG) 

MONITOR: 

Track progress and changes in NeuroCognitive performance 

The first assessment to measure (and continually monitor) cognitive functions is Central Nervous System Vital Signs, which provides a report with interpreted analysis such as: 

neurocognitive assessment

The second assessment to measure the electrical activity of the brain is a Quantitative Electroencephalograph (QEEG), often referred to as a “brainmap.” The report provided is 60 pages and includes analysis of Traumatic Brain Injury and Learning Disability. 

Examples of some patterns we can see in the full Quantitative Electroencephalograph Assessment: 

First Brain Pt. 2_2

Put very simply, green is “good”; areas showing yellow, orange, or red are “too much of that brain wave in that part of the brain”; and areas showing blue are “not enough of that brain wave in that part of the brain.” 

quantitative electroencephalograph assessment

Stroke 

Example of client with recent stroke. The back left part of brain shows overly powerful slow wave patterns (yellow, orange, and red) in Delta and Theta wavelengths of EEG, as well as underactive patterns of Beta wavelengths, our thinking brain speed. 

First Brain Pt. 2_5

Then what? Once have comprehensive brain fitness assessments, customized training program can be tailored.

A National Call for Action: From the Kennedy Forum Report; Brain Health and Brain Fitness

“Brain Fitness is the Key: Neuroscience shows that brain fitness interventions can build higher-order processing skills, promote emotional resilience, and mitigate stress.” 

Sample of Key Interventions listed in Kennedy Forum Report: 

  • Neurofeedback – Provides self-reflective feedback loops that allow individuals to witness brain activity and increase and improve Executive Function skills, such as attention, focus, and other cognitive abilities. 
  • Executive Function Training – Increases and improves higher order processing, engages the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in learning and decision-making 
  • Mindfulness Training – Allows for purposeful brain regulation that increases and improves ability to be present, maintain attention, down-regulate disruptive emotions, and direct learning and social input to higher-order processing. 

Research has shown that activities such as reading, doing crossword puzzles, learning a new skill, or even engaging in social activities are good for your brain. But to truly optimize brain conditioning, more structured programs are needed for peak performance conditioning. 

Such structured cognitive training programs should offer baseline, mid-, and post-measures of brain performance. The training should be continually monitored and measured. From a subjective measurement perspective, the trainee ideally should be able to recognize his or her improved ability to better direct and control mental states. From an objective measurement perspective, the improvement in brain regulation can be observed via advanced instrumentation, such as an EEG. 

NeuroCognitive Training Options

Customized training programs determined from assessments above and clinical interview. 

  1. Neurofeedback Training to manage stress and build resilience. 
  2. Cogmed Working Memory Training program to increase working memory capacity, necessary for staying focused on a task, blocking out distractions, and keep you updated and aware of what’s going on around you. 
  3. Alpha-Stim Cranial Electrotherapy Simulation (CES) to quickly and safely relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. 

For a complementary consultation on how to have your brains fitness assessed and learn ways to optimize your brains fitness, contact NeuroCognitive Fitness LLC.

Dee O’Neill-Warren is a licensed professional counselor, board certified in Neurofeedback. She sees clients via private practice at 4101 McEwen Drive, Suite 670, Dallas, Texas, or via concierge mobile service. For more information, check out website www.neurofitnow.com, call 972-638-7689, or email dee@neurofitnow.com. 

If you would like more information about gastrointestinal (GI) digestive disorders and nutrition in children, please contact Dr. Mona Dave’s Plano Office or Southlake Office.

Filed Under: Gastroenterology Tagged With: brain, gastroenterology, neurocognitive, pediatrics

Digestive Health & Nutrition in Children

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Our offices are convienently located in Plano and Southlake, TX. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of patient care. Dr. Dave and her staff work extremely hard to streamline the referral process, expedite appointment scheduling, and promptly respond to patient calls. Her practice offers a pure pediatric environment. A pediatric trained … Dr. Manisha "Mona" Dave

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Manisha “Mona” Harpavat Dave, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist Digestive Health & Nutrition in Children Diplomate Certification in Pediatric Gastroenterology Diplomate, American Board of Pediatrics Awards and Honors          Scientific Research Plano Office 6300 W Parker Rd, Bldg 2, Suite 424 Plano, TX 75093 Phone: … Dr. Mona Dave

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Digestive Health & Nutrition

Manisha “Mona” Dave, MD
Pediatric Gastroenterologist
Texas Digestive Disease Consultants
 

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