Prism Neurofeedback: A Breakthrough PTSD Treatment Provided by Sheba Medical Center

In the wake of Israel’s ongoing challenges, heightened by the atrocities of October 7, 2023, the country has witnessed an alarming rise in the number of individuals suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); Soldiers returning from the frontlines, survivors of terror attacks, and civilians who have endured profound trauma are struggling with PTSD’s most debilitating symptoms of flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and emotional instability.

As Israel’s City of Health, Sheba Medical Center recognized its national role to provide comprehensive care for these individuals, helping them reclaim their normal lives. With a deep commitment to advancing medical care and mental health treatment, Sheba now offers a groundbreaking, non-invasive and drug-free treatment called Prism neurofeedback.

What is Prism Neurofeedback?

Prism Neurofeedback is a modern, drug-free brain training treatment that aims to reduce PTSD symptoms by teaching patients to regulate their brain’s response to stress and trauma, using real-time feedback from its activity. Unlike traditional treatments such as medication or talk therapy, Prism neurofeedback directly targets the neurological foundation of PTSD, specifically the amygdala—a part of the brain that controls emotions and the fight-or-flight response. In individuals with PTSD, this area often becomes hyperactive, triggering unnecessary stress reactions.
 

How Does Prism Neurofeedback Work?

Patients wear a comfortable EEG headset, similar to a swim cap, equipped with sensors that measure brain activity. This activity is displayed on a screen, where patients can see how their brain is responding to stress in real-time.

The typical Prism neurofeedback program consists of 15 sessions spread over about eight weeks, with each session lasting 30 to 45 minutes. During each session, patients observe a virtual environment featuring animated characters (avatars). The avatars’ behavior changes based on the patient’s brain activity: calming when the brain is more relaxed and becoming restless as the brain becomes more agitated. This visual feedback teaches patients how to control their brain’s stress response, using mental strategies such as focusing on calming memories or imagining peaceful places.

Prism neurofeedback sessions are gentle and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects, such as mild headaches or fatigue, which usually resolve shortly after the session. This makes Prism a safe and effective treatment option for those seeking a non-invasive, drug-free approach to PTSD.

Sheba’s Role in Expanding Access to Prism Neurofeedback

Recognizing the widespread need for mental health support, Sheba has rolled out Prism neurofeedback treatment through the “Returning to Life” National Centers for Mental Trauma. These centers, located in the South, East, and Central regions of Israel, are bringing this ground-breaking treatment to PTSD patients who may otherwise have difficulty reaching Sheba.

Thanks to the generous support of Friends of the IDF (FIDF), these centers have already provided the transformative benefits of Prism to hundreds of PTSD patients, offering them a pathway to regain their normal lives.