Quantitative electroencephalography, or qEEG, applies computer analysis to an EEG recording of your brain’s electrical activity.
The analysis summarizes brainwave patterns through measurements, graphs, and visual maps. These findings give your provider additional information to consider within your clinical assessment.
The map represents recorded electrical activity rather than a photograph of your brain.
Sensors placed on your scalp detect electrical signals produced by brain activity. The recording is checked for interference from blinking, muscle tension, movement, or poor sensor contact.
Computer analysis then summarizes features of the usable recording. Your provider interprets these findings alongside your symptoms, medications, sleep, and other relevant information.
The sensors record activity without delivering electrical stimulation.
Depending on the analysis used, a report may describe:
A difference from a reference range does not automatically indicate disease or explain a symptom.
A consultation may be appropriate for people concerned about:
Your provider determines whether qEEG would add useful information or whether another evaluation is more appropriate.
The team reviews relevant information and explains the recording process. Sensors or an electrode cap are positioned on your scalp, with conductive gel or paste used to establish contact.
You sit quietly and follow instructions, which may include periods with your eyes open and closed. Staying relaxed and limiting movement helps improve recording quality.
After the recording, the data undergo review and analysis before your findings are discussed.
An EEG records brain activity as electrical waveforms. qEEG adds mathematical analysis to summarize selected features of that recording.
The quantitative findings should be considered alongside the underlying EEG and clinical information. They do not replace expert review or a neurological evaluation when one is needed.
A brain map cannot independently establish the cause of difficulties with focus, sleep, mood, or memory.
Similar recording patterns may occur for different reasons, and results can be influenced by alertness, medication, and recording conditions. Conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and dementia require an appropriate clinical evaluation.
Your provider uses the findings as supporting information rather than a diagnosis by themselves.
When neurofeedback is appropriate, qEEG findings may help your provider select recording locations and training targets.
Brain mapping is an assessment. Neurofeedback is a separate process that uses real-time feedback from recorded brain activity during training.
Your symptoms, goals, and response to sessions remain important when deciding whether to continue or adjust the approach.
Your provider explains the findings, their limitations, and whether they are relevant to your concerns.
Recommendations may include neurofeedback, further clinical evaluation, or other care options. You can ask questions about what the results mean and how they affect your plan.
The aim is to leave you with a clear understanding of the next steps.
Repeat recordings may be recommended when they can answer a specific question or inform treatment planning.
Comparisons are most useful when recording conditions are similar. Changes in sleep, medications, alertness, or recording quality can affect the results.
Your provider considers any differences alongside changes in symptoms and daily function. A change in the map alone does not establish that treatment has worked.