QEEG

Overview

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A QEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalogram) is a diagnostic tool that measures electrical activity in the form of brain wave patterns. It is sometimes referred to as “brain mapping.” It uses small, metal discs (electrodes) attached to your scalp or a cap. Your brain cells communicate via electrical impulses and are active all the time, even when you're asleep. This activity shows up as wavy lines on an QEEG recording. It can be to diagnose brain disorders.

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When would it be done? 

Since a QEEG is used to determine when brain activity changes or is altered it can be useful in diagnosing brain disorders. It may also be helpful if diagnosing or treating the following conditions: 

• Stroke

• Parkinson's

• Brain Tumor

• Brain damage from head injury (TBI)

• Brain dysfunction that can have a variety of causes (encephalopathy)

• Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) 

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Why we do the QEEG

We perform QEEGs for three specific reasons:

• To get a baseline

• To determine treatment paraments

• To determine progress

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Risks

QEEG are safe and painless.

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How to prepare 

• Avoid anything with caffeine on the day of the test because it can affect the test results. ​

• Take your usual medications unless instructed otherwise. 

• Wash your hair the night before or the day of the test, but don't use conditioners, hair creams, sprays or styling gels. Hair products can make it harder for the sticky patches that hold the electrodes to adhere to your scalp.

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What to expect during the QEEG

There will be little to no discomfort during the test. The electrodes don't transmit any sensations they are only used to record brain wave activity.

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During the test you can expect some of the following to occur: 

• A technician measures your head and marks your scalp to indicated where to place the electrode cap. 

• Once the cap is in the designated position the electrodes are placed on the cap and connected to an instrument to amplify the brain waves and record them on a computer. Once everything has been connected it typically takes up to 60 minutes to perform the test. 

• During the test it is requested that you relax in a comfortable position with your eyes closed during the test. The tech may ask you at various times throughout the test to open and close your eyes, perform a task or breathe deeply. 

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After the test: 

• The tech removes the cap and you can return to your normal routine. Some times hair can be greasy or messed up due to the cap and/or gel used. 

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Results

All QEEG results are sent to our QEEG-D for analysis and results are sent back to your Care Team to review the results and discuss the plan for treatment implementation. 

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*Please note that The Pacific Clinic QEEG technicians are trained in-house per Washington State law and have no certifications. A certified QEEG-D reviews the test and prepares a comprehensive report. Results and treatment procedures may be shared or used for further research. Patient/Client names are not released if this occurs.