What is a QEEG? (and other FAQS)
An introduction to brain mapping and neuroplasticity.
What is a qEEG or brain mapping?
A Quantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG), is a non-invasive tool used to analyze brain activity by recording and measuring electrical signals emitted by neurons in the brain. A cap with an array of 19 sensors is placed on the surface of the head and brain wave activity is recorded over those areas. By capturing these signals and processing them through specialized software, qEEG generates detailed maps and graphs that provide insights into brain function and abnormalities compared to the norm for later review, comparison or therapy selection.
What are brain waves?
Brain waves are electrical impulses that flow through the brain and create pat- terns of activity. They are measured in cycles per second or hertz (Hz), which indicate the speed of oscillation of each rhythm. There are five main types of brain waves: delta (0.1-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), alpha (8-13 Hz), beta (13-30 Hz), and gamma (above 30 Hz). Brain rhythms of different frequency can help disso- ciate specific neural generators and also different functions.
The contribution of different rhythms to the EEG depends on the age and behavioral state of the subject, mainly on the level of alertness. The formation and modulation of connectivity between regions has been considered as the possible mechanism underlying cognition and consciousness. The EEG pattern is also influenced by neuropathological conditions, metabolic disorders, and the action of drugs.
How can qEEG help me improve brain function?
For instance, if certain regions of your brain are overactive, it can contribute to issues like anxiety, restlessness, or difficulty concentrating. On the other hand, underactive areas may lead to problems with memory, attention, or mood regulation.
By identifying these imbalances, qEEG can help to get information about cogni- tive, emotional, social, and metabolic function and guide healthcare profession- als in developing targeted interventions to rebalance your brain’s activity.
How reliable is qEEG as a diagnostic tool?
The software we use helps us to show the items that the maps indicate as areas of functional difficulty and is based on probability measures and therefore can provide false positives and false negatives. As probability measures, they do not indicate the level of severity of the item, but only the level of likelihood that the problem is present. This does not in any way constitute a diagnosis and should not be used for medical or psychological diagnostic purposes.
What are the benefits of qEEG? It is a non-invasive and painless approach that allows for the acquisition of objective data to implement personalized treatment strategies such as neurofeedback guided through the detailed insights that QEEG provides and lead you to better symptom control and lasting changes. The data shared from your qEEG can be also useful to become aware of how your lifestyle, environment, and background, can influence the neuroplasticity of your brain, identify patterns to change, and implement different techniques to rewire and regulate your brain activity.
Especially in Re, the practitioner will choose and recommend the best protocol to work on the dysregulation with the help of a neurofeedback device and the practice of neuromeditation.
What is neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity can be defined as adaptative changes to the structure, function or connections of the nervous system in response to individual experience.
What should I expect during a qEEG session?
The practitioner will measure your head, disinfect your forehead and earlobes with alcohol, put on the cap, and fill the electrode holes with conductor gel. Two recordings will be made, with your eyes closed and open, and during this time it is important to remain still, calm, and relaxed to obtain accurate data. After the recording, you will receive the interpretation and discuss any questions you may have about it.
How long does a qEEG recording take?
A qEEG session requires 1 hour, considering a recording duration of around 25 minutes and the time to analyze the results.
How can I prepare for the QEEG session?
It is really important to follow these guidelines prior to your appointment:- Do NOT have coffee at least 12 hours before your session.
- Avoid alcohol and marijuana for 2-3 days before your qEEG.
- Get a good night’s sleep.
- Have protein for breakfast, avoid sugary foods.
- Wash your hair the day of your qEEG, or the night before.
- Do NOT use hair conditioners, sprays, gels, etc.
- Avoid taking over the counter medications.
- Take your prescribed meditations as usual.
- Report all medications to the practitioner the day of your qEEG.
Once you have booked your session, we will send you an email from projectadmin@symmetryneuropt.com to register on the Symmetry website. There, it is important that you fill out your profile with information about your background, medications, and diagnosis.
Finally, fill out the three questionnaires to give you an integrative approach that takes into account your self-report and your brain mapping results (it will be great if you fill them out before your qEEG appointment, but you can also do it after):
- Physiology
- ISI: Interactive Self Inventory
- CEC: Cognitive and Emotional Checklist
What can I do if I have not received the email yet?
If you haven’t received it within 1-3 days after booking, please try logging in using the following information:
- Website: www.mysymmetry.info
- Username: The email address you shared with Rē
- Password: LoveMyself1#
If you have any problem with this, please contact the practitioner via email:
neuro@reprecisionhealth.com
What should I do if I booked my session but did not follow some of the guidelines?
We recommend that you inform the managers or the practitioner so that they can help you reschedule if possible or directly swap session with another guest letting the staff know about it prior your appointment.
If you decide to continue with the session, you should know that it is your responsibility if any variation in your map is not satisfactory to you and it will not be possible to repeat it.
The only exception is if you have chronic trouble falling or staying sleep, having not a good night sleep prior the qEEG will not be significant to change brain activity in that case.
Will I receive my qEEG report file?
Yes, the results will be emailed within 1-3 days.
How can I book a qEEG session?
The availability to book a qEEG session will be at the following link, where you can pay for the service; after that, you are going to receive a confirmation email and instructions to follow before the appointment:
reprecisionhealthscheduling.as.me/Neuroappointments
What is the cost of a qEEG?
The cost of a qEEG at Re Precision Health is $250.
Can I contact the practitioner for personal consultations before the procedure?
Of course, feel free to email our practitioner Paola: neuro@reprecisionhealth.com.