Microcurrents are used to treat and correct various diseases of the central nervous system. Pulse exposure optimizes the area of the cerebral cortex in which disturbances have been identified. Micropolarization of the brain for children - indications and contraindications for the procedure are established by a neurologist at the diagnostic stage.
Indications for the use of micropolarization in children
Micropolarization can be done on very young children. Moreover, when applied to childhood neurological diseases, the procedure shows very significant results.
Micropolarization can be indicated not only in the case of serious neurological diseases in children (autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, etc.), but also in cases of developmental delays and noticeable problems in the child’s learning.
Thus, today more and more children suffer from delayed speech development and speech defects. To solve the problem more quickly, you can resort to the micropolarization procedure. In this case, electrodes are applied to the speech areas of the brain, and the effect is achieved much faster.
Yulia Smirnova, head of the children’s department at the clinic of the Research Institute of Physiology of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, says: “We noticed that the impact on the speech centers gives the effect of a quick impetus for the onset of not only speech manifestations, but also the formulation of quite complex thoughts. Such children begin to build their speech more qualitatively.” (News Novosibirsk, April, 2011)
Of course, both children with serious damage to the central nervous system and children with developmental delays require an integrated approach: in addition to neurological treatment, it is necessary to regularly attend classes with a speech therapist and psychologist, or conduct them at home.
Indications for the use of micropolarization in children have a wide range, including:
- delayed speech and psychoemotional development
- learning problems, hyperactivity
- increased anxiety, aggressiveness, fears (including night fears)
- autonomic disorder
- enuresis (urinary incontinence at night)
- tics
- stuttering
- pathologies of the central nervous system (cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism)
- auditory, speech and visual pathologies
Autonomic dysfunction in children is accompanied by rapid fatigue, increased sweating, low-grade fever without signs of an infectious process and other symptoms of VSD. A more severe form - vegetosomatic disorder - is accompanied by lack of air, rapid heartbeat, problems with the gastrointestinal tract, irritable bowel syndrome, etc. If these symptoms occur, you should consult a neurologist and, with his permission, possibly undergo a course of micropolarization in combination with physiotherapy.
The effectiveness of this new technique has a fairly wide range - from improving social adaptation and learning ability to serious physiological changes in the nervous system. It is important to note that the procedure usually gives a positive result. However, it is difficult to predict how significant these changes will be in each individual case.
“Already after the 8th micropolarization procedure, Philip spoke,” says the mother of a small patient at the Autonomic Neurology Center Galina. “He consciously uttered the word “give” for the first time. Since then, everything related to speech has been making very good progress. The speech therapist constantly praises us. Philip does everything that is required of him and even more.”
According to statistics, micropolarization increases the effectiveness of treatment for a variety of diseases by 2-3 times. As a result of treatment in adults, the risks of surgical intervention after a stroke and head injuries are minimized, rehabilitation after a stroke is accelerated, and the quality of speech, visual acuity and hearing are improved.
Improvements after a course of micropolarization, which are most often found in children, are:
- restoration of mental functions
- alignment of the psycho-emotional background
- improvement of social adaptation, communication skills, activity
- development of memory, mental and creative abilities
- elimination of speech defects, burrs, stuttering
- increased visual and hearing acuity
The need for this type of treatment today is very great, but few clinics have the opportunity to offer it. Most budget organizations are completely devoid of such sophistication. At the same time, the experience and results of treating neurological disorders using micropolarization are growing and are increasingly attracting the attention of doctors and patients.
Over the past five years, the number of publications devoted to “transcranial direct current stimulation” has noticeably increased in foreign publications. At the same time, in Russia the technique has gone beyond the St. Petersburg medical community and has been successfully implemented in clinics in other Russian cities. In Moscow, you can take a micropolarization course at the Clinical Center for Autonomic Neurology.
Transcranial micropolarization (TCMP) is the effect on the cells and substance of the brain as a whole with a direct electric current, but of low strength. Namely, up to 1 mA (0.001 A). This treatment technique is considered highly effective and has been introduced into medical practice as widely as other physiotherapeutic procedures.
In the English literature the name Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is used.
TCMP is often used as monotherapy. It is also prescribed for the complex treatment of most pathological conditions associated with organic damage to the central nervous system in childhood.
The experiments in which it was used demonstrated:
- improvement of motor and cognitive skills in patients;
- relief of hyperkinesis and epileptic seizures;
- normalization of the activity of the pelvic organs;
- more complete restoration of neurons after “vascular accidents” (stroke), traumatic brain injury and reduction of foci of tissue destruction.
Micropolarization of the brain is performed for children with organic and functional lesions of the central nervous system. Moreover, the positive effect of the procedure is observed both in degenerative and vascular and autoimmune pathologies.
The need to prescribe this physiotherapeutic method is determined exclusively by the attending physician, taking into account the observed clinical picture. Parents cannot decide such issues on their own.
There are many publications that contain experiments proving the high effectiveness of transcranial micropolarization of the brain in children.
It was revealed that she:
- improves neuromuscular impulse transmission;
- normalizes the functions of the projection zones of the cortex (motor, visual, sensitive, etc.) of the cerebral hemispheres;
- has a positive effect on the higher mental functions (memory, attention, thinking, speech) of the child, the state of the emotional-volitional sphere (reducing anxiety, aggression, irritability);
- regulates muscle tone in spastic and atonic paralysis and paresis;
- fights vision and hearing pathologies.
The essence of this procedure is to influence the nervous system with a small current flow. Prescribed to stimulate it and improve functionality. Suitable for use by adults and children of all ages. A small current flow has a positive and completely safe effect on the body.
To achieve the desired result, the procedure is carried out in a certain course. After treatment, the patient feels a significant improvement in well-being. Vision, memory, concentration, and sleep are noticeably improved. The emotional state also improves and resistance to stress appears.
The effect after the procedures will be visible already at the 3-4th session, but the maximum result will appear 2-3 months after completion of the course. Under the influence of a small direct current, the neuroplastic properties (the ability of neurons to improve, adapt, change structure, reproduce) of the central nervous system change, and partial restoration of neural connections occurs.
A micropolarization course will help improve a child’s cognitive abilities and perception, speed up his learning processes, and increase attention and concentration. After the sessions, the following is observed:
- Myorelaxation, normalization of muscle tone.
- Improving musculoskeletal skills.
- Pathological reflexes and hyperkinesis become less pronounced. Convulsive attacks are also stopped.
- Restoration of speech functions, expansion of vocabulary in children, clarity and meaningfulness of speech.
- Normalization of mental functions, improvement of general well-being. Children develop an interest in the world around them, motivation for treatment and development.
What is the purpose of transcranial micropolarization of the brain in children?
Micropolarization of the brain is performed for children with organic and functional lesions of the central nervous system. Moreover, the positive effect of the procedure is observed both in degenerative and vascular and autoimmune pathologies.
The need to prescribe this physiotherapeutic method is determined exclusively by the attending physician, taking into account the observed clinical picture. Parents cannot decide such issues on their own.
Main indications
Indications for TCMP of the brain in a child are:
- cerebral palsy (spastic, hyperkinetic, cerebellar form), accompanied by impaired mental and speech functions, convulsive seizures;
- encephalopathies (hypoxic-ischemic, metabolic);
- sensorineural hearing loss;
- diseases manifested by deterioration of vision (loss of fields or decrease in its acuity) and oculomotor disorders (strabismus, limitation of upward and sideways gaze);
- neurasthenia, neuroses, depression;
- recovery period of neuroinfections (encephalitis, encephalomyelitis) and traumatic brain injuries of any severity, as well as their long-term consequences;
- undergone surgical interventions on brain tissue;
- various intoxications and poisonings (especially pesticides, anticholinergics);
- transient and acute circulatory disorders at the rehabilitation stage (transient ischemic attacks, hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes). These pathologies are extremely rare in childhood, but can occur against the background of anomalies and malformations of the nervous and cardiovascular systems;
- mental retardation;
- attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome.
A distinctive feature of micropolarization is the possibility of using the technique in the acute period of TBI and stroke. It can be performed already on the second day after the onset of the disease. This is done in order to maintain the viability of neurons directly in the lesion and the surrounding perifocal area.
Preparing the child for the procedure
The procedure for TCM of the brain in children does not require special preparation. There is no need to fast, stop taking medications, etc. But along with this technique it is recommended to carry out:
- medical massage for paralysis and paresis;
- physical therapy and use special training suits “Adele”-92, etc.;
- speech therapy sessions in case of speech problems;
- psychological correction of the emotional-volitional sphere;
- traditional drug treatment (neuroprotectors, metabolites, antioxidants, B vitamins and other drugs according to indications).
A set of therapeutic measures is selected by the doctor depending on the observed pathological process in the brain, age, and general health of the patient.
It's all about the protocol
The child receives a micropolarization session while doing physical exercises
– You say that the method is safe, but sometimes you read that a child experiences behavioral regression after TCMP sessions. Many parents fear that the latent seizure activity of the brain, which is often present in autism, may develop into full-blown epilepsy under the influence of currents.
– Theoretically, regression is possible if the protocol is incorrectly selected. If in a patient one of the centers of the cerebral cortex is already working to suppress other centers, and we begin to stimulate it, then, in principle, an exacerbation is possible. But I haven’t encountered anything like this yet.
As for epilepsy, it is even treated with micropolarization, placing the cathode at the epileptic focus. We have not done this yet, but we repeatedly took electroencephalograms during sessions and did not observe epi-activity.
At our clinic, we attach great importance to safety. You know what's funny?
Those who are suspicious of TCMP often tell us: “Are you experimenting on children?!” Try your methods on yourself first!”
They don't know that this is literally what we do! We test any equipment first on ourselves. For example, the other day my colleague decided to see what would happen if he applied maximum current to the cathode, pressed mechanically and completely dried the electrically conductive gel - and he received a slight burn to the scalp, but did not find any negative effect on his own brain.
We never begin treatment unless the child has undergone a thorough examination. If a mother brings a child to our clinic without an EEG, we do this study on site for free. When drawing up a protocol, we take into account all the characteristics and problems of the patient, and try to make the therapy as targeted as possible.
There is always something new in TCMP - new protocols, new equipment. The American-made device that we are starting to use now has 5 electrodes: 4 of one sign and 1 of another. This allows the current to be more accurately focused and increases the depth of penetration.
Another characteristic of the device is the Limited Total Energy system, which does not allow the maximum permissible current strength to be exceeded, as well as a “parabolic” increase in current strength, which ensures its uniform increase, without jumps.
I would also draw the attention of parents to this. The specialist sets the current strength on the device, but we cannot be sure what the resistance is, so the real strength of the current going to the brain is unknown to us.
In order for the resistance to be constant, water must constantly flow from under the sponge under the electrode. Our laboratory assistants regularly water the sponge with a saline solution using a water pistol, this ensures a constant current strength. Parents should know this and see if this is monitored in the center where they take their child for procedures.
– You say that the method is safe, but sometimes you read that a child experiences behavioral regression after TCMP sessions. Many parents fear that the latent seizure activity of the brain, which is often present in autism, may develop into full-blown epilepsy under the influence of currents.
Efficacy for treating diseases
It is important to understand that the procedure has a different effect on different patients - for some, the therapy eliminates the physiological causes of the disease, for others it only helps to increase socialization and learning ability. Therapy is prescribed in courses, but the effect is noted after the first stimulation procedure. Of course, it is difficult to notice changes with the naked eye, but they are clearly visible on the control encephalogram.
Treatment allows you to achieve the following results:
- the functioning of the pelvic organs is normalized;
- motor functions of the upper and lower extremities are restored;
- hearing and vision improve;
- mental activity increases;
- the functioning of the speech apparatus is normalized;
- impaired psychological functions are restored.
Experts recommend micropolarization for speech delay, autism, and epilepsy. The positive effect is manifested in the patient’s daily life. Increased interest in what is happening around, the emergence of new words, the desire to interact with other people, an emotional response to touch or treatment.
Positive reviews about the influence of micropolarization on speech development, social adaptation and behavior of children with developmental disorders allow us to note:
- improving the child’s adaptive capabilities;
- increased emotional background, improved mood;
- stabilization of night sleep, facilitating the process of falling asleep;
- improvement of short and long-term memory;
- increasing concentration and learning ability.
Prices for micropolarization procedure
Like any physiotherapeutic effect, transcranial micropolarization of the brain has many systemic and local contraindications.
Contraindications to the use of micropolarization in the treatment of brain pathologies can be: absolute and relative.
Speaking about the softness of the polarizing effect of electrodes, we should not forget that any medical manipulation has contraindications. TCMP is no exception; sessions cannot be performed if one of the following pathological conditions is present:
- malignant neoplasms of brain tissue;
- disturbances in the functioning of the heart and/or circulatory process;
- hypertension or cerebral atherosclerosis;
- the presence of foreign objects in the cranial cavity or spinal tissues;
- acute infectious pathologies accompanied by increased body temperature;
- damage to the skin where the device’s helmet is attached;
- periods of hyperactivity that prevent the child from sitting relatively still for the required session time;
- intolerance or hypersensitivity to electrical influence.
Obviously, there are few restrictions; their presence is easy to identify during examination and preliminary examination of the patient.
Micropolarization of the brain can only be carried out on the recommendation of a doctor. As a rule, it is given by speech therapists, neurologists, and psychiatrists. Before starting the procedure, an EEG must be done. This will reveal the presence of pathological brain activity and help evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure. Today, doctors prefer to do electroencephalography at the beginning, middle and end of the course.
During micropolarization of the brain, the patient wears a special cap on which the electrodes are attached. Next, the doctor turns on a special device, and the effect begins. The procedure takes half an hour. During this time, the patient can read books, watch movies, surf the Internet and much more.
Today, doctors recommend including at least 8 procedures in a course of micropolarization. However, obtaining permission to pass is not so easy. TCMP is not a common method of combating diseases; some doctors stubbornly refuse to use it.
The reason lies in rather contradictory data. The groups of people tested are so heterogeneous that the sample cannot be correlated with the rules of statistical research and, therefore, any scientifically plausible conclusion can be drawn.
The micropolarization method has a number of conditions under which the use of the procedure is undesirable and requires consultation with a doctor. This:
- electric current intolerance
- cancerous tumors
- cold, infection, virus
- period after vaccinations
- the presence of foreign bodies in the spine or skull
- damage to the skin where the electrodes are attached
- diseases of the cardiovascular system
- systemic blood diseases
Micropolarization is incompatible with those types of diagnostics and therapy that are based on magnetic and electric fields. In particular, with MRI, muscle electrical stimulation and vibration stimulation.
Micropolarization affects the affected neural areas in different zones, so this procedure is successfully used in the treatment of a large number of diseases, for which it is widely used by doctors. Indications for the procedure include:
- Violation of musculoskeletal functions. The technique demonstrates a pronounced therapeutic effect in cerebral palsy, muscle rigidity and other motor dysfunctions caused by damage to brain neurons.
- Delayed speech development. Micropolarization during speech development delays has a stimulating effect on the speech areas of the brain. After completing a course of procedures for mental retardation, the quality of speech improves significantly. Micropolarization of the brain during speech delays helps the child express thoughts in logical, structured phrases. The technique is used for motor and partially sensory alalia and other speech disorders.
- Behavioral disorders. A course of TCM is prescribed to young patients with hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.
- Violation of visual and auditory functions. Strabismus, amblyopia, sensorineural hearing loss – indications for testing.
- Epilepsy. The impact of microcurrent on the brain activates the internal antiepileptic system of the brain, which gives positive results.
- Autism. As a result of the influence on the frontal lobes of the brain, insufficiently plastic neurons are activated in autism. As a result, the child experiences greater interest in the world around him and his development progresses.
- Consequences of neuroinfectious diseases and traumatic brain injuries.
- Neuroses and similar conditions, psychogenic enuresis, encopresis.
- Damage to the blood vessels of the brain and cranial nerves.
The therapy method is used for other diseases caused by dysfunction of the central nervous system. The neurologist will individually recommend the program and duration of treatment, taking into account the type of disease, the nature of the course, the prevailing symptoms and other factors. The microcurrent technique will not cause harm; on the contrary, even the well-being of a healthy person will improve after the course.
This method makes a significant contribution to the fight against diseases caused by disruption of the central nervous system. Micropolarization is completely safe, painless and does not cause side effects. The current strength used during the procedure is so small that it is not felt by the body. But, as with any other method, micropolarization has contraindications. Neurologists recommend refraining from the procedure if:
- Intolerance of the patient's body to electric current.
- The presence of malignant tumors.
- The presence of a foreign body in the brain or spinal cord (for example, implants).
- Increased or decreased body temperature.
- Blood diseases.
- Damaged skin.
If you have the above contraindications, you must notify your neurologist in advance. There are other contraindications that depend on the characteristics of the patient and his illness, so it is important to consult an experienced specialist before starting the course.
A mandatory step before micropolarization is a brain examination. The technique of influencing damaged areas of the brain is not used without a preliminary examination. MRI, electroencephalography and other studies help the doctor identify damaged areas of brain structures. This stage requires experience - the result of treatment depends on the correctness of the doctor’s conclusion. When violations are detected, all that remains is to go through the procedure.
The electrodes are fixed on the patient’s head in places where damage to neural structures is detected, using special elastic bands. When the doctor turns on the device, a small direct current flows through the wires to the electrodes, and they transmit impulses to the affected lobes of the brain. Micropolarization takes place under the continuous supervision of a physician.
The session lasts 20-40 minutes, the course of treatment is 10-15 sessions. The procedures are carried out every other day. Micropolarization cannot be combined with drug treatment, because the therapeutic effect may be unpredictable. The duration of the course depends on the characteristics of the patient. To achieve maximum results, doctors recommend undergoing a repeat course of procedures after 2-4 months.
- Individual intolerance to electric current.
- Infectious and colds.
- Presence of malignant tumors.
- Increased body temperature.
- Systemic blood disease.
- The presence of foreign bodies in the skull or spine.
- Hypertonic disease.
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system at the stage of decompensation.
- Severe atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels.
- Skin defects in the affected area.
In addition, one must take into account that micropolarization of the brain is incompatible with procedures such as acupuncture, magnetic resonance imaging, muscle electrical and vibration stimulation, and the use of all kinds of strong psychotropic drugs.
The three electrodes required for TCM are included in a specially designed set, which, like the device itself, can be purchased at the Physiosphere store. Their low cost made the only serious drawback that micropolarization had—the price of specialized devices—irrelevant, and made the procedure accessible to everyone.
Rubber electrodes are then connected to the current leads, and wet fabric pads are in turn attached to them. Tissue electrodes with red wires should be placed on the forehead, with blue wires on the back of the head. After this, all that remains is to turn on the device to the network, set the procedure time to 20 minutes, and the current intensity to 0.
TCMP is usually carried out in courses of 10 procedures, with breaks between them lasting from 2 to 6 months. Micropolarization of the brain does not cause any unpleasant sensations - almost all reviews left by patients who underwent brain micropolarization agree on this. Another important point for parents of children who are indicated for micropolarization - reviews note its greatest effectiveness when combined with classes with a speech therapist, developmental exercises, exercise therapy and other procedures aimed at improving the functions of the central nervous system.
Compatibility with drug treatment is another advantage that micropolarization can boast of for children. Reviews indicate good results when combined with nootropics.
Micropolarization of the brain is considered a safe procedure, however, there are categories of small patients who are not recommended to undergo it.
Micropolarization is allowed if there is no violation of the integrity of the skin or excessive pigmentation at the places where the electrodes are applied.
- Individual intolerance to electric current;
- The presence of malignant tumors;
- Colds and infectious diseases;
- Presence of foreign bodies in the skull
The essence of the technique
Micropolarization is a method that successfully combines safety and non-invasiveness with a selective effect on brain cells, which has traditionally been achieved only through surgery.
During the procedures, certain areas of the brain are exposed to direct current, very weak in magnitude (about 100 μA). In comparison, more aggressively stimulating electrotherapy methods use a current of 1 mA.
A weak current acts similarly to natural brain impulses, gently changing the level of functioning of neurons and restoring connections between individual brain structures.
Micropolarization can be used to activate nerve cells in the brain (transcranial or TCMP) or spinal cord (transvertebral or TVMP). In the second case, the current strength will be slightly greater.
TCMP has both local and systemic therapeutic effects. The first is relevant for focal brain injuries, the second for general disorders of the functioning of the nervous system.
The term “micropolarization” itself reflects the characteristics of the influence used (microcurrent) and the essence of the electrical process, which consists in the polarization of the membranes of brain cells.
The invention of this treatment method was the result of experiments conducted in the laboratory of N.P. Bekhtereva. Development was almost completed in the 70s of the last century at the Institute of Experimental Medicine in St. Petersburg. The first session was held at the Psychoneurotic Institute. Bekhterev. Now micropolarization is used in a number of institutions in Russia, the CIS, and also abroad.
Is it possible to do without TCMP? "Pros and cons"
TCMP of the brain is a rather complex process. To use it, the doctor’s office must be equipped with a special device, which is not available in every medical institution. The doctor must thoroughly know the technique of the procedure, the scheme of applying electrodes, and the principles of operation of the device.
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to observe all this in practice. Therefore, micropolarization is not used often, which, with an integrated approach to the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system using other physiotherapeutic techniques, does not negatively affect the patient’s condition and the possibilities of his rehabilitation and recovery.
- stenosis of congenital etiology;
- connective tissue pathologies;
- the presence of a rash or excessive pigmentation at the sites where the electrodes are applied;
- in case of violations of the integrity of the skin on the head;
- any heart disease;
- malignant tumors in the brain;
- chronic diseases in the acute stage, accompanied by fever;
- inflammatory diseases in acute form.
If there are foreign bodies in the skull (plates or other bone substitutes), then micropolarization cannot be performed either. This also applies to any substitutes that are located in the spine.
Electric current should not be used for diseases of the blood, heart, or blood vessels. In case of damage to the scalp or the presence of malignant tumors, micropolarization is also prohibited.
Contraindications for TCMP
Like any physiotherapeutic effect, transcranial micropolarization of the brain has many systemic and local contraindications.
Contraindications to the use of micropolarization in the treatment of brain pathologies can be: absolute and relative.
Absolute contraindications
They are:
- fever (when body temperature rises to febrile levels of 38.1 0C);
- individual intolerance to the effects of microcurrents;
- malignant neoplasms of any location;
- infectious diseases in the acute period;
- the presence of metal foreign bodies in the brain or skull (titanium plates, etc.);
- installed pacemaker;
- blood pathologies accompanied by coagulation disorders;
- high blood pressure (not often observed in children, but with defects or anomalies in the development of the aorta or carotid arteries);
- pronounced stenosis of blood vessels (extra- or intracranial);
- chronic heart failure in the stage of decompensation;
- dermatitis, cuts, injuries in the projection areas where the electrodes will be applied.
Relative
As such, micropolarization of the brain in children has no relative contraindications. All of them are considered absolute. Only a doctor can change this rule if the potential benefits of the procedure exceed the possible negative effects.
During the course of treatment, TCMP sessions cannot be combined with:
- reflexology (acupuncture);
- electrical or vibration stimulation of muscles;
- MRI;
- prescribing potent psychotropic drugs (neuroleptics, tranquilizers).
Other methods of electrical stimulation
Micropolarization of the brain in children is considered one of the most effective therapeutic techniques used for delayed speech development, motor dysfunction, and behavioral disorders.
In cases of autism, Down syndrome, mental retardation, severe mental or genetic illnesses, the use of therapy in most cases is considered inappropriate. However, doctors recommend taking micropolarization courses for the possibility of a shift (even if small) in a positive direction.
The list of indications for brain micropolarization includes:
- mental retardation of the first or mild degree;
- asthenia;
- tension headache;
- traumatic brain injuries, including their consequences;
- visual impairment;
- sensorineural hearing loss;
- neuroinfectious pathologies;
- depression;
- panic fear;
- encoporesis of psychogenic etiology;
- enuresis;
- excessive childhood aggression;
- disorders of a neurosis-like, neurotic, psycho-emotional, psychosomatic nature;
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children;
- hyperactivity;
- epileptic seizures;
- dysfunction of the speech apparatus;
- cerebral palsy of various forms and severity;
- inhibited neuropsychic development.
Binaural stimulation, in a broad sense, is generally understood as any stereophonic effect - the delivery of a sound signal to two ears simultaneously. In a narrow sense, it is the stereo perception of monotonous artificially generated sound signals, the purpose of which is to create “pure” binaural rhythms in the brain.
The physical side of the issue comes down to a description of the synchronization of the work of both hemispheres of the brain, which is achieved by superimposing two sound vibrations of close frequency. The beat frequency is equal to the frequency difference. A similar effect occurs only if the frequency difference does not exceed 25 Hz. For example, if a monotonous sound with a frequency of 300 Hz is supplied to the left ear, and a sound with a frequency of 310 Hz is supplied to the right ear, then the listener perceives a beat of rhythm with a frequency of 10 Hz.
This “sound” is generated by the brain itself (the source is the superior olive, located in the brain stem) as a derivative of the addition of electromagnetic waves of synchronously working hemispheres. After this activity is transmitted to the cortex, it is clearly recorded using EEG. Responsiveness to binaural beats is greatly enhanced by the use of background “white noise,” which is often introduced in psychoacoustic programs to create sound thresholds and as a dampening component.
All this increases public interest in using binaural stimulation at home to solve non-medical problems. However, the practice of creating a binaural effect can have unpredictable consequences and lead to a number of disorders of various body systems, which is regularly recorded even in specially equipped sound therapy rooms.