📑 Table of Contents

▼

• Understanding Why Some Concussions Don’t Heal on Schedule
• The Neurometabolic Cascade of Brain Injury
• Individual Factors That Affect Recovery
• How LENS Neurofeedback Supports Recovery
• What Research Shows About Neurofeedback for TBI
• The NeuroBalance Approach to Concussion Recovery
• When to Consider LENS Therapy After Concussion
• Signs Your Brain Needs Additional Support
• Key Brain Areas Affected by Slow-Healing Concussions
• Supporting Natural Neuroplasticity for Healing
• Success Stories with LENS Therapy
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Your Next Steps to Recovery

Most adults who sustain a concussion recover within 10-14 days (~90%)
, but what happens when your brain doesn’t follow this typical timeline? If you’re still experiencing symptoms weeks or months after a head injury, you’re not alone – and there are specific reasons why some brains take longer to heal.

For many patients, these symptoms can get worse over time after head injury and may not resolve even with rest, medication or therapy alone
. Understanding the underlying neural dysregulation patterns and exploring innovative treatments like LENS neurofeedback therapy can make the difference between continued struggle and meaningful recovery.

Understanding Why Some Concussions Don’t Heal on Schedule

When people think of concussion recovery, they often expect a straightforward timeline: rest for a few days, symptoms gradually fade, and life returns to normal. However,
many people have symptoms persisting longer than a month, with up to 33% exhibiting symptoms beyond three months
in non-sport-related concussions.

The reality is much more complex.
Each concussion is unique in the sense that the magnitude of biomechanical forces and the direction, rotation, and source of those forces are different for each concussive event. This helps to explain the unpredictable nature of post-concussion symptoms that can arise and resolve
.

The Neurometabolic Cascade of Brain Injury

What happens inside your brain during a concussion involves a complex series of events that researchers call the neurometabolic cascade.
The primary elements of the pathophysiologic cascade following concussive brain injury include abrupt neuronal depolarization, release of excitatory neurotransmitters, ionic shifts, changes in glucose metabolism, altered cerebral blood flow, and impaired axonal function
.

Think of it like this: when your brain is jostled during impact,
the brain gets jostled and moves like jello in the skull. The sudden brain movement from a concussion leads neurons to stretch and sometimes break
. This mechanical disruption triggers a cascade of chemical changes that can persist long after the initial injury.

The stretching and breaking disrupts communication between neurons in the brain. The unique disruptions involved in each brain injury are part of the reason why concussion symptoms vary so much
. Some brains may quickly reestablish normal communication patterns, while others remain “stuck” in dysfunctional states.

Our Los Angeles TBI recovery support program recognizes these individual differences and provides personalized approaches to help each brain find its way back to optimal function.

Individual Factors That Affect Recovery

Several factors can influence why some people experience prolonged recovery times:

**Pre-existing Conditions:**
These include a history of prior concussions, female sex, younger age, history of cognitive dysfunction, and affective disorders, such as anxiety and depression
. If you’ve had previous head injuries, your brain may be more vulnerable to prolonged symptoms.

**Age-Related Factors:**
Young people, whose brains are still developing, and older adults, whose brains may heal more slowly, are especially vulnerable
. The developing adolescent brain and the aging adult brain both face unique challenges in recovery.

**Severity of Impact:** While traditional measures of severity (like loss of consciousness) don’t always predict long-term outcomes,
the forces applied to the brain during concussive events can produce serious shearing and tearing of tissues that trigger a cascade of neurometabolic changes
.

**Multiple Injuries:**
Each incident weakens the brain’s ability to repair itself. Inflammation builds, and abnormal proteins, like tau, can accumulate
. This is why protecting against repeated injuries is so crucial.

At NeuroBalance, we understand that each person’s recovery journey is unique. Our comprehensive assessment process considers all these factors when developing a personalized treatment approach.

How LENS Neurofeedback Supports Recovery

The concept of Low Energy Neurofeedback (which is a completely unique form of “brain optimization”) was first introduced by Dr. Len Ochs, Ph.D. in 1990. After introducing his ideas to several national forums, he established Ochs Labs to further develop and hone Low Energy Neurofeedback concepts
.

Unlike traditional approaches that may address symptoms individually, LENS neurofeedback works at the foundational level of brain function.
This signal helps the brain outline and sense its own functioning, and the brain responds (the feedback) by releasing “stuck” and inefficient patterning created by injury or trauma
.

**How LENS Works for Concussion Recovery:**

The treatment process is remarkably gentle.
Small sensors are placed on the scalp and ears. The system measures brainwave activity and sends back a signal slightly offset from what it reads. Sessions are very brief — often just a few minutes of stimulation
.

What makes this approach unique for concussion recovery is its passive nature.
Patients don’t need to “do” anything — your brain does the work. Most people find the process relaxing, and depending on sensitivity, patients experience gradual or faster changes in mood, energy and cognition as the nervous system reorganizes
.

This is particularly beneficial for people with concussions because
The LENS can even be helpful for people who are too sensitive to tolerate more stimulating therapies
. Many concussion patients struggle with light sensitivity, noise sensitivity, and cognitive fatigue that make traditional therapies challenging.

What Research Shows About Neurofeedback for TBI

The research supporting neurofeedback for traumatic brain injury continues to grow.
This was the first study to compare a group with unique optimal frequency neurofeedback to a control group, and also the first study to use this technique as an intervention for Veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI)
.

**Key Research Findings:**

A comprehensive VA study found remarkable results.
Those who received the biofeedback had clinically meaningful improvements in headache, sleep, and attention, as well as improvements in quality of life, depression symptoms, and PTSD symptoms, when compared to the controls. At the end of the treatment, those in the neurofeedback group fell below the cutoff for probable PTSD. So far, the improvements even appear to be sustained over the long-term
.

Specific to LENS neurofeedback,
published research studies have shown the effectiveness of the LENS method with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and with fibromyalgia. Preliminary research and clinical experience have found that LENS rivals and in some cases surpasses more traditional forms of neurofeedback
.

A clinical outcomes study showed impressive results:
After an average of only 20 treatments the mean average of patient symptom ratings (0-10) declined from 7.92 to 3.96, a 50% improvement
.

**Brain Changes with Treatment:**

Perhaps most importantly, research shows that neurofeedback creates actual brain changes.
During EEG-NFT the cognitive scores and concussion symptoms improved significantly. The EEG-NFT has shown significant increase in cortical grey matter (GM) volumes and fractional anisotropy (FA) of cortical white matter
.

The present study demonstrates, for the first time, the neuroimaging-based documentation of the effect of LIP-tES treatment on brain functioning in mTBI. Put simply, neurofeedback changes the brain
.

Our concussion support program integrates these research-based approaches to provide comprehensive care for those experiencing prolonged recovery.

The NeuroBalance Approach to Concussion Recovery

At NeuroBalance, we understand that concussion recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. Jon S. Haupers, our LENS neurofeedback specialist with over 12 years of experience, takes a comprehensive approach that recognizes the complexity of brain injury recovery.

**Our Process:**

**Initial Assessment:** We conduct a thorough brainwave analysis to identify specific areas of dysregulation.
Talk to your doctor and wait at least 2-4 weeks after a major concussion to give your brain time to rebalance, and then try a LENS session
. We work collaboratively with your healthcare team to ensure appropriate timing for treatment.

**Personalized Treatment Plans:**
The process is personalized because the computer software program allows the signal to adapt in real time, to what is most appealing to the brain that it’s connected to. Then it reads the data it receives just milliseconds before and makes the proper adjustments in frequencies to the specific area of the brain in need
.

**Gentle, Passive Treatment:** Sessions typically last just a few minutes, making them ideal for people dealing with anxiety, fatigue, and sensitivity issues common after concussion.

**Holistic Support:** We also address commonly associated conditions including depression, sleep disorders, and cognitive challenges that often accompany prolonged concussion recovery.

Over 85% of people who have used the LENS have benefited significantly from it. Results can be seen quickly, often beginning within the first session, and are lasting
.

—

**PART B – DETAILED OUTLINE FOR CHUNKS 2-3**

When to Consider LENS Therapy After Concussion

Most experts recommend waiting at least 2-4 weeks after a major concussion before considering LENS therapy
, allowing the brain time to begin its natural rebalancing process. This timing aligns with the understanding that
during the acute symptomatic phase, thinking and physical activity can make symptoms worse
, so initial rest remains crucial.

The Critical Waiting Period

Approximately 80 percent of concussions resolve over seven to 14 days, with an average of 10 days
. However, when symptoms persist beyond this natural healing window, additional support may be needed.
Most people with mild traumatic brain injury recover within 7-14 days with proper rest and gradual return to activities. However, persistent or worsening symptoms may indicate complications requiring more intensive intervention
.

How LENS Differs from Traditional Rehabilitation

Unlike conventional rehabilitation approaches that often require active participation and cognitive effort,
LENS (Low Energy Neurofeedback System) is a gentle, non-invasive brain training method. Unlike traditional neurofeedback, in which you actively try to regulate brainwaves, LENS therapy is passive. As you relax in sessions, your brain does the work for you
.

This passive approach makes LENS particularly valuable for concussion patients who may find traditional therapies too stimulating or exhausting.
It’s especially supportive when nothing else has worked, or for people who feel stuck in recovery. The LENS can even be helpful for people who are too sensitive to tolerate more stimulating therapies
.

The key differences include:

**Traditional Rehabilitation:**
– Requires active cognitive participation
– May increase mental fatigue
– Often involves multiple sessions per week
– Progress can be slow and effortful

**LENS Neurofeedback:**
– Completely passive process
–
For a fraction of a second, a tiny and imperceptible electromagnetic signal (1/300th of that omitted by a cell phone) is delivered

–
The sessions are brief (usually 3-5 minutes), gentle (usually the client feels nothing during the session), and the changes are lasting

–
It particularly produces rapid improvements in the first five to six sessions

Working with Your Medical Team

LENS therapy works best as part of a comprehensive treatment approach. Many clients continue with their existing medical care while adding LENS neurofeedback therapy to support their recovery process.

Consider discussing LENS with your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing:
– Persistent symptoms beyond the expected recovery timeline
– Sensitivity to traditional therapies
– Plateaued progress with conventional treatments
– Multiple symptoms affecting different areas of functioning

Signs Your Brain Needs Additional Support

Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) occurs when concussion symptoms persist well beyond the typical recovery period. While most concussion symptoms fade within two to four weeks, people with post-concussion syndrome experience symptoms that last for months or even longer
.

Physical Symptoms Beyond Normal Timeline

Cognitive and Emotional Changes

Trouble thinking clearly, remembering recent events, or processing information. Once simple tasks may suddenly feel complicated or overwhelming, and concentration becomes challenging
. These cognitive symptoms can be particularly distressing because they affect daily functioning in profound ways.

Many clients report experiencing:
– Memory lapses that interfere with work or school
– Difficulty following conversations or losing train of thought
– Increased irritability or emotional reactivity
– Anxiety about cognitive performance
– Depression related to functional limitations

Why Symptoms May Worsen Over Time

Think of Traumatic Brain Injury like a traffic jam in the brain: after an accident, your brain compensates by protecting and slowing down blood flow and neural pathways around the injury, causing symptoms such as reduced cognitive functioning, headaches and brain/body scrambling. Slowing down in one part of the brain affects other areas, and eventually entire areas of ‘the city’ become less efficient. It takes more and more energy to function in your life and things that were once easy, become a chore
.

This cascading effect explains why some people initially feel manageable after a concussion but then experience worsening symptoms weeks or months later. The brain’s compensation strategies, while protective initially, can become maladaptive patterns that actually hinder recovery.

Red Flags Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

While many post-concussion symptoms warrant professional support, certain signs require immediate medical evaluation:

Key Brain Areas Affected by Slow-Healing Concussions

Understanding which brain regions are commonly affected in slow-healing concussions helps explain why certain symptoms persist and how LENS neurofeedback can help restore optimal functioning in these critical areas.

Hippocampus and Memory Formation

The hippocampus, crucial for forming new memories and spatial navigation, is particularly vulnerable to concussion injury. When this region becomes dysregulated, clients often experience:

– Difficulty forming new memories (anterograde amnesia)
– Problems recalling events before the injury (retrograde amnesia)
– Spatial disorientation and getting lost in familiar places
– Trouble learning new information or skills

The LENS acts like traffic control, helping the brain sense these inefficiencies and access new resources (increased blood flow, neural signaling) to heal. Your own brain provides the feedback, as it traces the tiny signal from LENS and exercises out of stuck, inefficient pathways
.

Corpus Callosum and Inter-Hemispheric Communication

The corpus callosum, which connects the brain’s two hemispheres, often suffers damage during rotational forces common in concussions. When communication between brain hemispheres is disrupted, clients may experience:

– Difficulty integrating information
– Problems with complex cognitive tasks requiring bilateral brain coordination
– Reduced processing speed
– Challenges with executive functioning

Our cognitive rehabilitation programs often incorporate LENS to help restore inter-hemispheric communication patterns.

Primary Motor and Sensory Cortex Disruption

Damage to the primary motor and sensory cortex can lead to persistent physical symptoms that significantly impact daily functioning:

**Motor Cortex Effects:**
– Balance problems and coordination difficulties
– Fine motor skill impairments
– Weakness or reduced motor control
– Difficulty with complex movements

**Sensory Cortex Effects:**
– Altered sensation or numbness
– Hypersensitivity to touch, temperature, or pressure
– Difficulty processing sensory input
– Problems with proprioception (body awareness)

Visual System Impact – The Hidden Challenge

Perhaps the most underappreciated aspect of concussion recovery is visual system disruption. The visual system uses approximately two-thirds of all brain connections, making it particularly vulnerable to concussion injury. Common visual symptoms include:

– Blurred or double vision
– Difficulty tracking moving objects
– Problems with depth perception
– Eye strain and fatigue from visual tasks
– Difficulty reading or following text
– Light sensitivity (photophobia)

Visual symptoms often contribute to other challenges like:
– Reading difficulties that appear as cognitive problems
– Balance issues due to visual-vestibular integration problems
– Headaches triggered by visual processing demands
– Fatigue from compensating for visual dysfunction

Many clients benefit from combining LENS therapy with specialized concussion support services that address multiple aspects of recovery.

Supporting Natural Neuroplasticity for Healing

Neuroplasticity – the brain’s remarkable ability to reorganize and form new neural connections – is the foundation of all concussion recovery. Understanding how this process works, and more importantly, why it sometimes gets “stuck,” is crucial for effective treatment.

How Neuroplasticity Works in Recovery

Neuroplasticity is the process by which synapses change connectivity patterns – by strengthening, weakening, forming or being eliminated. Insight (LENS) Neurofeedback is understood to catalyze this process in a passive manner by providing gentle and safe electrical feedback
.

The brain’s neuroplastic response to injury typically follows several phases:

**Immediate Response (0-72 hours):**
– Cellular protection mechanisms activate
– Inflammation begins to protect damaged tissue
– Blood flow changes to preserve critical functions

**Early Adaptation (3 days – 3 weeks):**
– Surviving neurons attempt to compensate for damaged areas
– New neural pathways begin forming around injury sites
– Functional reorganization starts

**Long-term Reorganization (3 weeks – months/years):**
– Structural brain changes solidify
– New neural networks become established
– Compensation patterns may become permanent

Why Some Brains Get “Stuck” in Maladaptive Patterns

While neuroplasticity is generally beneficial, sometimes the brain’s adaptive responses become problematic. This can happen when:

**Overprotective Responses Persist:**
The brain maintains defensive patterns long after the initial danger has passed, similar to how
your brain time to rebalance
is needed but sometimes doesn’t occur naturally.

**Compensation Becomes Inefficient:**

Think of Traumatic Brain Injury like a traffic jam in the brain: after an accident, your brain compensates by protecting and slowing down blood flow and neural pathways around the injury… It takes more and more energy to function in your life and things that were once easy, become a chore
.

**Neural Networks Reinforce Poor Patterns:**
The brain’s “use it or lose it” principle means that inefficient compensation patterns can become stronger over time if they’re repeatedly used.

LENS Role in Promoting Positive Neuroplasticity

Low Energy Neurofeedback (LENS), works by reading these brain waves and generating a customized correlation of electrical signals back to the brain. This “feedback” is understood to cause adaptive disruptions to patterns of neural-firing and may induce healthier, more plastic, brain states according to emerging evidence over the last two decades
.

LENS supports neuroplasticity through several mechanisms:

**Gentle Disruption of Stuck Patterns:**

This signal helps the brain outline and sense its own functioning, and the brain responds (the feedback) by releasing “stuck” and inefficient patterning created by injury or trauma
.

**Restoration of Neural Flexibility:**

The LENS calms overactive fight-or-flight responses, giving your brain and nervous system the support it needs to regulate and repair itself. Restores Clarity – Patients often report clearer thinking, better focus, increased concentration and reduced brain fog
.

**Enhanced Therapeutic Receptivity:**

Accelerates Progress in Therapy – When your brain is less stuck, it becomes receptive again to other treatments (cognitive, speech, vision, or physical therapy) often become more effective
.

Environmental Factors That Support Healing

While LENS provides targeted neural support, several environmental factors can enhance the neuroplastic healing process:

**Sleep Optimization:**
Quality sleep is when the brain consolidates new neural connections and clears metabolic waste. Our Los Angeles clients often see dramatic improvements when sleep quality improves alongside LENS sessions.

**Stress Reduction:**
Chronic stress hormones can inhibit neuroplasticity.
LENS is FDA cleared for Stress
and helps regulate the nervous system’s stress response.

**Gentle Physical Activity:**

Studies have shown that patients who perform aerobic exercises recover from concussions more quickly than those who do not
, as appropriate exercise promotes blood flow and growth factors beneficial for brain healing.

**Nutrition Support:**
The brain requires specific nutrients for optimal neuroplastic function, including omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and adequate protein for neurotransmitter production.

**Social Connection:**

Stay connected to friends and loved ones and talk with them about how you are feeling. Having support from family and friends can help with your recovery
.

Many of our clients combine LENS therapy with complementary approaches like PBM therapy and lifestyle modifications to create an optimal healing environment.

Success Stories with LENS Therapy

The clinical evidence supporting LENS neurofeedback for concussion recovery continues to grow, with
remarkably effective results – over 85% of people who have used LENS have benefited significantly from it, with results often beginning within the first session and lasting long-term
. These outcomes reflect what we see in our practice at NeuroBalance, where concussion recovery clients often experience meaningful improvements early in treatment.

Research from multiple clinical studies demonstrates significant improvements in post-concussion symptoms.
Clients report dramatic relief from most symptoms after the first session, with successful treatment results typically experienced even by those with a lifetime history of TBI/concussion. Often, only a few treatment sessions are needed to fully restore mental agility and memory losses
. This aligns with findings from our TBI recovery program, where clients consistently report improvements in cognitive function and symptom management.

### Clinical Research Outcomes

Research practitioners report life-changing improvements in as few as ten sessions, with the majority of patients improving from neurofeedback therapy regardless of their condition
. A comprehensive study evaluating 100 patients at Stone Mountain Center found that
clinical evidence supports the efficacy of LENS across a spectrum of conditions, with published research studies showing effectiveness specifically with traumatic brain injury and fibromyalgia
.

The neuroimaging research is particularly compelling.
Double-blind placebo-controlled studies have shown changes that could be seen on fMRI, with patients who received real LENS treatment showing measurable brain changes while those who received the control didn’t
. This provides objective evidence that LENS creates actual neurological improvements, not just symptomatic relief.

### Timeframes for Different Symptom Types

The recommended number of sessions is 10 for basic conditions, with more complicated medical issues requiring up to 20 or more sessions. Most people will see shifts in their nervous system and symptoms within the first 4 sessions
. For concussion-related symptoms, our experience shows:

**Immediate Improvements (1-4 sessions):**
– Reduced headache intensity and frequency
– Better sleep quality
– Decreased brain fog and mental fatigue
– Improved emotional regulation

**Short-term Progress (5-15 sessions):**
– Enhanced cognitive processing speed
– Better memory function
– Improved focus and attention
– Reduced light and sound sensitivity

**Long-term Outcomes (15+ sessions):**
– Sustained cognitive improvements
– Complete resolution of many post-concussion symptoms
– Enhanced stress resilience
– Return to normal daily activities

The Science Behind LENS for Neural Dysregulation

LENS neurofeedback was first developed in 1990 by Dr. Len Ochs, PhD, a clinical psychologist, as a way to improve treatment trends in brainwave sciences. What he came up with is now called LENS (Low Energy Neurofeedback System), which remains the original direct neurofeedback with a 33-year history of breaking apart neural gridlock resulting from emotional trauma and stress
.

### How LENS Works at the Cellular Level

The Low Energy Neurofeedback System uses feedback in the form of a radio frequency carrier wave, administered at a positive offset frequency from the person’s own dominant EEG frequency. Although it is an unusual biofeedback procedure, the feedback being invisible and the subject passive, clinical evidence supports the efficacy of LENS across a spectrum of conditions
.

The extremely low energy delivery is remarkable.
Studies on the instrumentation have shown that very little energy goes to the brain – it produces 10 to the minus 22 watts/cm2, which is not much energy
. This minimal energy input creates profound changes through what researchers believe involves several mechanisms.

The brain picks up on this signal, which is small enough to get underneath neuroprotective filters. This signal helps the brain outline and sense its own functioning, and the brain responds by releasing “stuck” and inefficient patterning created by injury or trauma
. This “disentrainment” process allows dysregulated neural networks to reorganize naturally.

### Comparison to Other Neurofeedback Approaches

What makes LENS neurofeedback therapy so different is that it is passive. LENS does not “train” brainwaves like all other slower traditional neurofeedback therapy, which target only specific sites and require the patient to participate in the process of learning to control their brainwaves through visual/audio monitors. Traditional sessions take 30-60 minutes, several times a week for many months
.

In contrast, our LENS therapy sessions are brief and require no conscious effort from clients.
Sessions are very brief — often just a few minutes of stimulation. It’s entirely passive – patients don’t need to “do” anything as your brain does the work. Most people find the process relaxing, and depending on sensitivity, patients experience gradual or faster changes in mood, energy and cognition as the nervous system reorganizes
.

### Safety Profile and Contraindications

When LENS was first tested, scientists assumed it must be a placebo effect because the energy is so low. But double-blind placebo-controlled studies have shown changes that could be seen on fMRI
, confirming both safety and efficacy.

When side effects do occur, such as fatigue, they are short lasting. The benefits, though, are not temporary. Patients improve and often don’t need other treatments
. The safety profile is exceptional – the energy levels are thousands of times lower than everyday devices like cell phones.

For concussion patients specifically,
it’s recommended to wait at least 2-4 weeks after a major concussion to give your brain time to rebalance, and then try a LENS session. It’s especially supportive when nothing else has worked, or for people who feel stuck in recovery. The LENS can even be helpful for people who are too sensitive to tolerate more stimulating therapies
.

### Integration with Other Therapies

Many practitioners combine LENS Neurofeedback with other therapies. Although LENS can be used as a primary treatment approach, it’s often offered as an adjunct to psychotherapy. LENS Neurofeedback is best used as a holistic approach combined with lifestyle changes as well as psychotherapy. As the brain begins to change, Neurofeedback results are heightened when clients utilize healthy lifestyle choices, such as healthy nutrition, mindfulness and meditation, and other body-based activities
.

At NeuroBalance, we often integrate LENS with PBM therapy and cognitive rehabilitation approaches for comprehensive concussion recovery support.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wait after concussion before trying LENS?
▼

Most practitioners recommend waiting at least 2-4 weeks after a major concussion to allow your brain initial time to rebalance naturally. This waiting period helps distinguish between normal recovery processes and persistent symptoms that may benefit from additional support. If symptoms persist beyond this timeframe or worsen, LENS therapy can be particularly helpful for people who feel stuck in recovery.

Note: Individual experiences vary. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance about timing and treatment options.

What makes LENS different from traditional neurofeedback?
▼

LENS is completely passive – you don’t need to actively participate or “train” your brainwaves like traditional neurofeedback. Instead of 30-60 minute sessions requiring conscious effort, LENS sessions last only a few minutes and use extremely low-energy signals to help your brain naturally release stuck patterns. This makes it particularly suitable for people who are too sensitive or fatigued for more stimulating therapies.

Note: Treatment responses are individual. We’ll work with you to determine if LENS is the right approach for your specific situation.

How many sessions will I need for concussion recovery?
▼

Research suggests most people need 10-20 sessions for significant improvement, with many noticing changes within the first 4 sessions. For concussion-related symptoms, some clients experience dramatic relief after their first session, while others with more complex presentations may need 20 or more sessions. The number depends on factors like injury severity, time since injury, and individual brain response patterns. Our initial consultation helps determine a personalized treatment plan.

Note: Session needs vary significantly among individuals. We monitor progress closely and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

Is LENS safe for concussion patients?
▼

Yes, LENS is exceptionally safe for concussion patients. The energy levels are extraordinarily low – thousands of times weaker than cell phone signals. Clinical studies show it’s particularly beneficial for people too sensitive for other therapies. When side effects occur (such as temporary fatigue), they’re typically mild and short-lasting. The completely passive nature means your brain does all the work naturally, without any forced or artificial stimulation. Research specifically supports LENS safety for brain injury recovery.

Note: Always discuss any new treatments with your healthcare team, especially during concussion recovery.

Can LENS help with specific symptoms like headaches and memory problems?
▼

Research shows LENS can be effective for many post-concussion symptoms including chronic headaches, memory difficulties, cognitive processing issues, sleep problems, and emotional dysregulation. Studies with veterans showed significant improvements in headache, sleep, attention, PTSD, and depression symptoms. Rather than targeting individual symptoms, LENS works to restore overall brain balance, which often leads to improvement across multiple symptom areas. Many clients report enhanced emotional regulation and improved focus and attention.

Note: While research shows promising results, individual responses vary. LENS is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition.

What should I expect during a LENS treatment session?
▼

LENS sessions are remarkably simple and relaxing. Small sensors are placed gently on your scalp and ears while you sit comfortably with your eyes closed. The system reads your brainwave patterns and sends back an imperceptible signal slightly offset from what it reads. Most sessions involve just a few minutes of actual stimulation. You won’t feel, see, or hear anything during treatment – it’s completely passive. Many clients find the experience so relaxing they nearly fall asleep. Our treatment environment is designed for comfort and healing.

Note: Sessions are personalized based on your brain’s unique patterns and response to treatment.

How do I know if LENS is working for my recovery?
▼

Most clients notice improvements within the first 4 sessions, though changes can be gradual or more dramatic depending on your sensitivity. Common early signs include better sleep quality, reduced headache intensity, clearer thinking, improved mood stability, and increased energy levels. We track your progress carefully through regular check-ins and symptom monitoring. Some people experience immediate shifts after their first session, while others notice cumulative improvements over several weeks. Brain changes are often measurable on neuroimaging, providing objective evidence of improvement beyond symptom relief.

Note: Response patterns are unique to each individual. We’ll work with you to track meaningful changes in your specific situation.

Can I do LENS while taking medications for my concussion symptoms?
▼

LENS can generally be used safely alongside medications, as it works through natural brain reorganization rather than chemical intervention. Many clients continue their prescribed medications during LENS treatment. However, as your brain function improves, you may want to discuss potential medication adjustments with your prescribing physician. Some people find they need less medication as their symptoms improve, but any changes should always be made in consultation with your medical team. LENS complements rather than replaces medical care for post-concussion symptoms.

Note: Always inform your healthcare providers about all treatments you’re receiving and discuss any medication changes with your prescribing physician.

How do I get started with LENS treatment at NeuroBalance?
▼

Getting started is straightforward. Contact us at (424) 625-5445 for a free 15-minute phone consultation where we’ll discuss your specific situation and determine if LENS might be helpful for your concussion recovery. If we proceed, your first visit includes a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms and medical history, followed by your initial LENS session. We’re conveniently located at 4029 Alla Road in Los Angeles, serving clients throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Our getting started process is designed to be simple and supportive.

Note: We’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your specific needs and recovery goals.

Next Steps – Your Path to Recovery

If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms weeks or months after a concussion, you don’t have to accept that this is your “new normal.” The research on LENS neurofeedback for brain injury recovery offers genuine hope for meaningful improvement, and many clients find relief when other approaches haven’t provided complete solutions.

### How to Get Started at NeuroBalance

Your journey toward recovery begins with understanding your unique situation. We offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation where Jon Haupers, our certified LENS specialist with over 12 years of experience, will discuss your specific symptoms and recovery challenges. This conversation helps determine whether LENS therapy might be beneficial for your particular situation.

During this initial call, we’ll explore:
– Your current symptoms and their impact on daily life
– Previous treatments you’ve tried and their effectiveness
– Your recovery goals and timeline expectations
– How LENS might fit into your overall healing plan

### What to Expect in Your First Consultation

If we determine that LENS might be helpful, your first in-person visit includes a comprehensive assessment. We’ll review your medical history, discuss your symptom patterns in detail, and conduct your initial brainwave analysis. This assessment helps us understand your brain’s current functioning and design a personalized treatment approach.

Your first LENS session happens during this same visit, allowing you to experience the treatment directly and begin the healing process immediately. Many clients notice some positive changes even after this initial session, though the full benefits typically develop over several weeks of treatment.

### Preparing for Treatment

To get the most from your LENS therapy:

**Before Your First Visit:**
– Gather any relevant medical records or brain imaging results
– Make a list of your current symptoms and their severity
– Note what makes symptoms better or worse
– Prepare questions about the treatment process

**During Treatment:**
– Come well-rested and hydrated
– Avoid alcohol 24 hours before sessions
– Wear comfortable clothing
– Let us know immediately about any changes you notice

### Working with Insurance and Payment Options

We understand that recovering from a concussion often involves significant financial stress. While LENS neurofeedback is not typically covered by insurance, we offer several options to make treatment accessible:

– **HSA/FSA Eligible:** Most Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts can be used for LENS therapy
– **Payment Plans:** We offer flexible payment arrangements for qualified clients
– **Package Discounts:** Reduced rates available for multiple session packages
– **Free Consultation:** Your initial 15-minute phone consultation is always complimentary

Many clients find the investment worthwhile when compared to the ongoing costs of managing chronic post-concussion symptoms, lost work productivity, and reduced quality of life.

### Taking Action Today

Recovery from persistent concussion symptoms is possible, and the research supporting LENS neurofeedback continues to grow stronger.
Clinical studies support the effectiveness of LENS, with practitioners witnessing rapid, meaningful and often dramatic results that are enduring. These results echo recent and ongoing research in neuroplasticity and demonstrate new possibilities for growth and change in the brain
.

Don’t let persistent symptoms define your future. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety following your injury, struggling with mood changes, or experiencing cognitive difficulties, LENS therapy offers a research-backed approach to supporting your brain’s natural healing capacity.

Your Brain’s Natural Capacity for Healing

Understanding why some concussions don’t heal on the typical timeline empowers you to take informed action toward recovery. The research clearly shows that persistent symptoms aren’t a life sentence – they’re often signs that your brain needs additional support to complete its natural healing process. LENS neurofeedback offers a scientifically-backed, gentle approach that works with your brain’s inherent neuroplasticity to restore balance and function.

The key insight from over three decades of LENS research is that healing happens when we remove the obstacles preventing your brain from doing what it naturally wants to do – heal itself. By addressing the neural dysregulation that keeps your brain “stuck” in post-concussion patterns, LENS therapy can help unlock your brain’s remarkable capacity for recovery and adaptation.

Whether you’re exploring options for anxiety support following your injury, looking to understand attention and focus challenges, or interested in optimizing your cognitive recovery, we’re here to provide educational resources and evidence-based support.

🌱 Take Your Next Step:

Learn more about getting started with NeuroBalance, explore our client testimonials, or browse our FAQ for more information about how LENS therapy might support your unique recovery journey.

This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. LENS neurofeedback is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your health concerns and treatment options.