WHAT IS QEEG?
A Quantitative ElectroEncephaloGram (QEEG) is a recording of your brain waves (EEG) that we use to create a visual map of your brain’s activity. These maps highlight patterns that remain stable day-to-day, known as ‘Endophenotypes’. In addition to the QEEG, we also perform a CPT evaluation, also known as Executive Function Testing, to get a clearer picture of how your attention is functioning.
The QEEG and CPT evaluation isn’t just important for determining your neurofeedback training plan – it’s also a powerful tool in itself for gaining deeper insights into how your brain functions, and ultimately understanding yourself better.
Our QEEGs will be done in person from our HQ in central Nova Scotia. Once we’ve processed your QEEG and performance data, we’ll walk you through the results via a recorded zoom meeting a couple of days later, and you’ll share with us what stands out to you. Together, we’ll gain a deeper understanding of your brain’s workings.
If you decide to continue with a Neurofeedback training program, we’ll also conduct a follow up QEEG at the end of your program to assess the changes you’ve made.
HOW IS A QEEG USED?
QEEG “Brain Mapping” gives us a detailed view of how your brain works. We can see things like how your brain activity might differ across various EEG frequencies (speed, power, and distribution), how well different parts of your brain connect with each other, and how your brain shifts between states.
In a clinical QEEG, we compare your brain’s activity to a database of thousands of ‘typical’ brains matched to your age. We carefully review your recording to spot patterns that stand out from the norm. This insight helps us understand the strengths and challenges in your brain’s function, which in turn guides us in targeting your goals for peak performance.
And don’t worry about being compared to the ‘average’ – we’re all a bit unique! The goal isn’t to label your brain as different, but to figure out whether those differences are meaningful and how they can guide positive change.
Once we’ve explored your QEEG and set your goals for brain performance, Peak Brain can help you with a personalised neurofeedback that is designed specifically for you, and can be trained from home.
WHAT HAPPENS ON THE DAY
- Setting up an EEG takes about 20 minutes, after which we’ll record for another 20 minutes (about 10 mins with Eyes Closed, and 10 mins with Eyes Open).
- We’ll measure the circumference of your head and fit you with an EEG cap that has 19 electrodes distributed across the surface.
- Next we’ll squirt gel into the electrodes, which helps us to get a good signal.
- During the recording we’ll measure your baseline brain activity. You won’t be asked to complete any specific tasks – just sit back and relax.
- The entire process is painless and non-invasive.
- For the best EEG signal, we ask that you:
- Come with clean and dry hair that is free of product and conditioner.
- Abstain from caffeine including chocolate (sorry!) for 18 hours prior to the appointment.
- Abstain from alcohol for 24 hours prior to the appointment.
- Let us know what medications you’re taking ahead of the appointment in the intake form we will send you. In most cases it’s best to avoid daily medications and supplements until after the recording if possible. For some psychostimulants, we’ll require a 48 hour washout period ahead of the appointment.
QEEG RESULTS AFTER NEUROFEEDBACK
