qEEG and Brain Mapping
What is a qEEG Brain Map and how does it work?
A quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG), also known as a brain map, is a way of gathering detailed data on the electrical activity of the brain.
The brain functions by passing electrical and chemical signals between individuals cells, or neurons. This electrical activity is measured and recorded in detail by placing electrodes with conductive gel in strategic locations on the scalp and face. It is 100% safe for everyone. There is no use of electricity or anything of that nature. The only thing you will feel on your head is some stickiness from the gel we apply.
This data will then be analyzed by our trained psychologist and compared against the Brain Resource International database, which has extensive data from similar assessments, including profiles of healthy, normative brains. This allows us to identify specific imbalances/abnormalities of brain activity in different regions of the brain. With this information, we design a personalized treatment protocol, targeted at correcting the specific issues and imbalances we’ve identified.
Why is the Brain Mapping Assessment important?
The qEEG brain map assessment is strongly recommended in order to treat your conditions/symptoms more effectively. It is more difficult to tackle an issue without complete knowledge of the situation at-hand. The qEEG brain map provides objective data about your brain activity and function, allowing us to gain a better understanding of what is happening in your brain and which issues we need to focus on treating.
✔ Provides critical diagnostic information and guidance for developing targeted treatment
✔ Serves as a baseline that can be used to compare and measure future improvement from treatment
✔ Allows for insight into your brain and cognitive functions for more effective, personalized treatment plans
Our Assessment Process
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Please be advised that this appointment will last approximately 1-1.5 hours. We ask that you abstain from smoking, caffeine and alcohol intake at least 6 hours before your appointment. Additionally, we ask that you wash your hair with shampoo ONLY, and do not use any chemicals in your hair on the day of the brain mapping. Conditioners, gel, mousse, and other hair products may interfere with the results that we obtain. You will receive a full list of instructions as well as information on what to expect on the day of your appointment, upon booking.
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We compare data from your brain map assessment against a database with standardized norms and development of visual maps and brain topographies (identifying areas of disturbance in the brain).
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After analyzing your brain map assessments, we will review the test results with you and develop a personalized treatment plan based on the brain map results, your cognitive profile, your symptoms, treatment goals, and lifestyle.
It is often recommended that a re-assessment be taken in 6 months to look at objective changes in brain, progress of cognitive functions and to refine next phase of treatment.
Please note that we typically require an intake session before we conduct the qEEG brain map assessment. This allows us to 1) get to know you and your situation better and 2) evaluate whether the qEEG brain map is the right assessment for you. Each individual is assessed on a case-by-case basis and tested using clinical scales that are specific for their age and disorder.