qEEG Explained - Accurate Brain Scans, Diagnosis, and Treatment
qEEG Explained - Accurate Brain Scans, Diagnosis, and Treatment
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The world of neuroscience is constantly evolving, and modern techniques have significantly increased physicians’ and psychologists’ ability to accurately detect and diagnose a variety of major disorders and mental conditions. Among the most effective tools physicians can use is the qEEG or quantitative electroencephalography analysis.
What is EEG?
A qEEG session begins with an EEG or normal electroencephalography. In brief, an EEG test involves placing small metal discs on a client’s scalp. The discs are used to detect electrical activity in the brain, which can be used to map both brain structure and electrical activity once sent to a computer.1
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EEGs are typically performed to detect changes in brain activity as clients are exposed to certain stimuli or sensations or asked to think about specific topics. From this data, physicians and psychologists can diagnose brain disorders or detect signs of injuries.
What can EEGs Diagnose?
EEGs are particularly helpful for detecting or treating disorders such as:1
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- Strokes
- Sleep disorders
- Encephalitis or inflammation of the brain
- Brain tumors
- Other types of brain damage
- OCD
- ADHD
However, EEG scans may also be used by physicians to obtain generalized maps of the brain. These maps can be used for treating other long-term conditions or disorders.
What is qEEG?
A quantitative electroencephalography analysis is not a new type of neuroimaging test. Instead, a qEEG adds a quantitative analysis procedure during or after the EEG scans are performed.
In a nutshell, qEEG sessions involve processing recorded electrical activity from EEG scans. The data is processed using several algorithms, including the Fourier algorithm, to organize and understand dynamic changes that take place within the brain at the nanosecond level.
Alongside detecting the same disorders or conditions that a regular EEG scan can, a qEEG session can help physicians and psychologists detect a variety of disorders, including:2
- Cognitive inflexibility
- Anxiety disorders
- Impulsivity tendencies and disorders
- And more
A qEEG analyses help physicians make the most of the data they gather through regular EEG scans and create more effective treatments for neurological conditions.
How Do qEEG Results Help with Neurofeedback Therapy?
Neurofeedback therapy involves using EEG scans and qEEG analyses to help clients make conscious changes in their brain patterns and activity. After showing clients the results of their EEG scans, physicians and psychologists coach clients through changing their thought patterns and behavior.
Over time, this non-invasive and progressive therapy can treat a variety of behavioral and neurological disorders, including many of those mentioned above.
The results are particularly helpful for neurofeedback therapy because they increase the accuracy of the information client physicians receive and allow psychologists to make more accurate treatment recommendations.
How Can Clients Prepare for qEEG Sessions?
From start to finish, a typical quantitative electroencephalography analysis brain mapping session will take about one hour barring any delays. These qEEG sessions are non-invasive and require you to sit in a comfortable chair. You’ll wear both a cap on your head and ear clips on each ear lobe. A physician will also tape a sensor to your forearm.
For the best results:
- Schedule your qEEG session at a time when you are likely to be alert, such as in the morning after having fully awoken from sleep.
- Arrive ahead of your appointment’s scheduled start time to process paperwork.
- Get a good night’s rest and try to avoid taking over-the-counter or prescription sleep medication, which can affect the results of your qEEG test.
- Eat breakfast before your qEEG test to prevent hunger from affecting your brain readings or distracting you.
- Wash and rinse your hair and do not use styling gels or other products on the day of your qEEG test, as these materials can affect the EEG sensors’ efficacy.
- Remove contact lenses prior to your session, as they may cause excessive eye blinks and can affect the results of the test.
The Dos and Don’ts for qEEG Sessions
Once your qEEG brain mapping session begins, here are some tips you can follow to ensure it is a success.
DO:
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- Go to the bathroom before your mapping session, as it is difficult to remove the sensors from your body.
- Keep your cell phone and electronic devices off during the EEG recordings. These are distracting and can affect the sensors.
- Stay relaxed and alert. Try to keep your face and body relaxed and do not worry about any discomfort.
- Be honest when your physician or psychologist asks you questions or pushes you for responses.
- Be prepared for your hair to be a bit messy after your session is complete.
DON’T:
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- Try to hurry through the qEEG mapping session.
- Move around too much. Excess movement can affect the results of the EEG scans.
- Be late or fail to show up to your scheduled appointment without canceling.
Don’t hesitate to ask your physician or psychologist what you should do to prepare for your qEEG mapping session to ensure excellent results.
Is qEEG Covered by Insurance?
Insurance can sometimes cover qEEG sessions. Clients will need to ask their insurance providers whether EEG and qEEG treatments are included under their insurance coverage plans. In many cases, the treatment of disorders like ADHD is not covered under insurance.
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However, qEEG sessions could qualify as these tests can be used to rule out epilepsy or dementia. In this way, whether a qEEG appointment is covered may depend on what the appointment is being used to detect or treat.3
Where to Receive qEEG Treatments
Treatments can be received at qualified medical clinics, wellness centers, psychologist practices, and more. The J. Flowers Health Institute is the best place overall for clients to receive the attention and personal care necessary to recover from neurological and psychological disorders or conditions.
At its core, the J. Flowers Health Institute offers one-on-one, bespoke care to professionals, executives, and other clients who need a personalized approach to their health treatments. The J. Flowers Health Institute can use neuroimaging technology and techniques to perform qEEG tests and discover treatment plans. We provide a clear, manageable path to wellness for our clients.
Those in need of patient-focused neuropsychological treatments should contact us right away.
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