The Brain and Spine Institute is made up of experts in the field of neuroscience in order to bring patients the best healthcare in East Tennessee for a full range of neurological diseases and disorders.
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Centers of Excellence
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We provide a comprehensive continuum of cancer services, including prevention, outreach, diagnostic, treatment and support services delivered by our highly skilled staff with compassion and care.
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The Center for Women & Children's Health is a hub for supporting women's and children's individual healthcare needs. The center provides support, research and unmatched patient-centered care.
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Emergency and Trauma Services is the only Level I Trauma Center in the area and serves as the tertiary referral center for medical care in East Tennessee, serving Knox County and 21 surrounding counties.
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The Heart Lung Vascular Institute brings together expertise in clinical care, teaching and research. Patients receive exceptional healthcare combined with patient-centered care.
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Biofeedback
Definition
Biofeedback is a technique that measures bodily functions and gives you information about them in order to help train you to control them.
Information
Biofeedback is most often based on measurements of:
- Brain waves (EEG)
- Breathing
- Muscle tension
- Skin conductivity of electricity
- Skin temperature
By watching these measurements, you can learn how to alter these functions by relaxing or by holding pleasant images in your mind.
Electrodes measure your heart rate, blood pressure, or other function. A monitor displays the results for both you and the trained practitioner to see. A tone or other sound may be used to let you know when you've reached a goal or certain state.
While the practitioner describes stressful situations and guides you through relaxation techniques, you can see how your heart rate and blood pressure change in response to being stressed or remaining relaxed.
Biofeedback teaches you how to control and change these bodily functions. By doing so, you feel more relaxed and may be able to help treat such conditions as:
- Anxiety and insomnia (how well biofeedback works for these symptoms remains controversial)
- Tension and migraine headaches
References
Burgio KL, Kraus SR, Menefee S, Borello-France D, Corton M, Johnson HW, et al. Behavioral therapy to enable women with urge incontinence to discontinue drug treatment: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2008;149(3):161-9.
Loder E, Rozzoli P. Tension-type headache. BMJ. 2008;336(7635):88-92.
Nestoriuc Y, Martin A. Efficacy of biofeedback for migraine: a meta-analysis. Pain. 2007;128(1-2):111-27. Epub 2006 Nov 2.
Rogers RG. Clinical practice. Urinary stress incontinence in women. N Engl J Med.2008;358(10):1029-1036.
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