FAQ
What is a session like? What can I expect?
There are a series of steps that take place when you come for an Iasis MCN session:
- After arrival, the Iasis MCN technician will go over your most recent symptoms and check in on how you are doing. This information will inform how your session is customized to your individual needs.
- If you have long hair, your hair will be pulled back using a clip. Bangs will also be clipped back. We have clips that we use, or you are also welcome to bring your own clips. Clear access to your forehead and back of your neck is needed.
- The technician will perform a light scrub to remove oils and slightly exfoliate the skin in the areas where the electrodes will be attached, in order to get a better connection to the signal from the Iasis MCN device.
- The technician will use a conductive paste to attach five lightweight electrodes to your head in the correct places. The technician will occasionally move the electrodes during the course of the session.
- The technician confirms that you are appropriately receiving the signal. If a client is slightly dehydrated this will become clear at this point. We have bottled water we can provide as needed to help to hydrate in order to receive an optimal signal from the Iasis MCN device.
- The technician turns on the Iasis MCN signal for the appropriate amount of time and to the appropriate degree of intensity for your session. During this time, you are free to chat with the technician or simply enjoy a bit of quiet relaxation. The only things you cannot do during this time is to be on your cell phone (which can interfere with the signal) or to fall asleep.
- Once the session is complete, the technician removes the electrodes and wipes off any excess conductive paste.
“I have struggled chatting with friends. Since starting IASIS, I find it much easier to communicate. I am so thankful I have been able to do this, it has really blessed me!”
-Joy, age 16, Raleigh, NC
Is it safe?
Yes.
- The device uses 1/100th of the power of a AA battery to deliver the signal to the brain. Most clients don’t feel anything while the session is underway. Very occasionally a sensitive person might feel a slight tingle or buzzing sensation.
- The signal produced by the Iasis device is 1/300th of the strength of that produced by a cell phone.
- The Iasis MCN device has been in use for more than 10 years and has served more than 100,000 clients both in the U.S. and in other countries. It is safe for both adults and children.
- The strength of the session is tailored to each client. Sensitive clients often benefit greatly because the Iasis sessions are carefully customized to their ability to tolerate the session and can be extremely gentle. On the other hand, some clients need a much more robust session and that is customized for their needs also.
- 510K FDA Registered as a Class II Medical Device.
How many sessions will I need?
Because every brain is different and the challenges that each person faces are unique, it is impossible to predict in advance the exact number of sessions needed for any particular client. For a less severe disturbance, 12-20 sessions might be adequate to effect an enduring change for the client. For a more profound challenge, such as PTSD with combat trauma and a traumatic brain injury, many more sessions could be required.
Clients do well when we coming twice per week for sessions to begin with until their symptoms have abated and they are maintaining their gains. However, the session effect is cumulative and pausing for travel and restarting does not completely derail progress. After reaching a point of enduring sustainability, we can start to titrate down on the number of sessions needed, moving to once per week for a few weeks, and then once every other week for a few times. We do this to ensure that a client is maintaining their gains and experiences lasting change.
How much does a session cost?
Iasis MCN sessions cost $75 per session.
Clients can schedule themselves for a free consultation and first session. The BrainGauge assessment is included for free in the first session.
Twice weekly sessions are recommended to begin with. Sessions must be spaced apart by at least one day (ie – Monday and Wednesday sessions, or Tuesday and Thursday sessions).
Do the results last or do I have to keep coming?
The results from Iasis MCN are enduring once we have completed enough sessions to achieve “enduring sustainability.” Once you have finished your course of sessions and have achieved a new normal, you will not need to continue coming for sessions.
Will it hurt?
No, the sessions are completely painless. Most people do not feel any sensation during the session. A few very sensitive clients might feel a slight buzzing sensation during the session, but this is rare.
Can the Iasis MCN device be used for children?
Yes! Iasis MCN neurofeedback is very effective for treating children for the same sorts of challenges which face adults. Because it is completely passive, there is very little cooperation required from the child. The child can chat, read a book or watch a video while the session is being performed because it requires no effort on their part.
What’s the difference between active and passive neurofeedback?
In the previous generation of neurofeedback technologies, clients would need to actively work to try to exercise certain functions of their brains to shore up areas which were under functioning. This required a great deal of mental effort and motivation, and also required many more sessions than a typical course of treatment using the Iasis MCN device.
In contrast, Iasis MCN sessions are completely passive – you don’t need to exert effort to work on any particular brain skills during the session. The brain is simply bathed with the appropriate signal throughout the time of the session, rather than focusing on only one area of function. The client can rest, chat with the neurofeedback technician, or read a book. It’s better to not be on your cell phone during the session so that there is not any interference with the cell phone signal.
Do I need a diagnosis or a prescription in order to access Iasis MCN sessions?
No. While we do have health care professionals who refer clients to us for sessions, this is not required and you can initiate starting sessions on your own if you have concerns which you would like to address.
How do I prepare for a session?
It is very helpful to be well hydrated when you arrive for a session. The body conducts electricity better when well hydrated. It’s also helpful to have eaten regular meals that day. Other than this, there is no special preparation needed. There is a slight scrub of the areas where the electrodes are placed (most visible on the forehead), so if you wear make up, you may want to bring your make up with you to touch up those areas after the session.
Do I need to discontinue my medication before starting sessions?
No – please do not discontinue any medications unless directed to do so by your prescribing doctor. As you progress in the course of treatment, it is important to stay in touch with your doctor because sometimes it is necessary to adjust the amount of medication required as your symptoms improve. These decisions regarding the amount of medication needed at any given time lie entirely between you and your doctor and we will not advise on medication management.
Can I buy one of these devices to use at home?
No, the Iasis MCN device can only be purchased by licensed health care providers.
What happens if I need to take a week off of sessions for vacation or because of illness?
While it is best to have continuity between sessions if possible, the effect of the sessions is generally cumulative so all progress is not lost if a break is necessary. There is a certain number of sessions (which seems to vary from individual to individual) which creates a state of “enduring sustainability” where the gains you have achieved are not lost if you stop or take a break. If you take a long break in sessions before reaching a point of enduring sustainability, it may take a few sessions to get back to where you left off.