what is a brainmap

Electroencephalography (EEG) is the measurement of electrical patterns at the surface of the scalp which reflect cortical activity, and are commonly referred to as “brainwaves”.  Quantitative EEG (qEEG) is the analysis of the digitized EEG, and in lay terms this sometimes is also called “Brain Mapping”. The qEEG is an extension of the analysis of the visual EEG interpretation which may assist and even augment our understanding of the EEG and brain function.

Quantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG) is a procedure that processes the recorded EEG activity from a multi-electrode recording using a computer. This multi-channel EEG data is processed with various algorithms, such as the “Fourier” classically, or in more modern applications “Wavelet” analysis). The digital data is statistically analyzed, sometimes comparing values with “normative” database reference values. The processed EEG is commonly converted into color maps of brain functioning called “Brain maps”.

The EEG and the derived qEEG information can be interpreted and used by experts as a clinical tool to evaluate brain function, and to track the changes in brain function due to various interventions such as neurofeedback or medication.

Quantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG) processing techniques and the use of modern analytic software to processes the EEG/qEEG gives us the ability to view the dynamic changes taking place throughout the brain during cognitive processing tasks, and this novel approach can be used to assist us in determining which areas of the brain are engaged and processing efficiently.

Understanding your brainmap

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Brain Maps show 30 different frequencies of the brain at all 19 locations, offering countless options for analysis and identifying areas of the brain that are under- or over-stimulated.
After completing your first BrainMap session, our Neurofeedback Specialist will review the data and invite you back the following week to explain your BrainMap report to you. This detailed report highlights your individual brainwave activity among the four primary brainwaves, including Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Theta waves. The report also includes colorful maps that illustrate neurological performance in specific areas of your brain. Your BrainMap report will highlight specific symptoms and issues that may be linked to your brainwave activity.
Essentially, your BrainMap provides our Neurofeedback technician with a roadmap for Neurofeedback Therapy. Based upon your individual results, our technician will be able to design a treatment protocol to help correct any brainwave dysregulation.

preparing for your brainmap

In order to acquire the most accurate evaluation possible during your QEEG, please follow the following guidelines:

  • If possible, do not take any stimulant medication for 48 hours prior to your qEEG. Please check with your prescribing physician to determine if it is possible to stop taking the stimulants 48 hours prior to recording the qEEG
  • While you do not need to discontinue any other medications before your visit, be sure to bring medication type and dosage information to provide to the technician to record before the qEEG is performed.
  • Avoid taking any over the counter medication or supplements such as Aspirin, antihistamines, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, nasal sprays, cough medicine, allergy medications, analgesics, herbs, food supplements, or amino acids on the day of the appointment.
  • If you are sick, please call to reschedule. We want to reschedule even if you only have a cold.
  • Do not drink any substances with caffeine less than 4 hours prior to the qEEG.
  • Eat at least one hour prior to the session and drink plenty of water the day before the qEEG recording to hydrate the skin.
  • Be sure to get a good night’s sleep before the qEEG is done. Let the technician know if there has been any sleep disturbance.
  • Don’t do anything upsetting or out of the ordinary the night before.
  • No smoking the morning of the session.
  • No alcohol 3 days prior to your session.
  • No marijuana 72 hours prior to your session
  • The evening before your qEEG, wash hair 3 times with a ph neutral shampoo, such as Neutrogena non-residue shampoo. Do not use crème rinse or any other hair product until after your appointment. Do not wash your hair again on the morning of your appointment.
  • Make sure hair is completely dry before coming for the qEEG.
  • Use the restroom if you need to prior to the start of the qEEG because we will not be able to stop once the recording begins.
  • Plan to spend an hour with the Technician for your brain mapping session.

An EEG cap will be put on your head. Water-soluble EEG gel will be squirted into each electrode with a syringe and worked into your scalp. This process may feel “pokey,” but should not be painful.
Your hair will be somewhat sticky from the EEG gel so bring a comb or brush.
You will be able to return to daily activities (e.g., work) immediately but it could be a bad hair day!