EEG/qEEG

EEG (electroencephalography) and qEEG (quantitative EEG, or “brain mapping”) give us a detailed look at your brain’s electrical activity. While EEG shows real-time patterns, qEEG compares your brainwave data to a database of healthy norms, highlighting areas that may be overactive, underactive, or out of balance. This information helps us pinpoint the root of symptoms and design a precise, individualized neurofeedback training plan—eliminating guesswork and ensuring your care is based on objective data.

Using EEG/qEEG assessment is essential for tailoring a therapy approach specific to each client. The qEEG data is reviewed by our multidisciplinary team—including a Neurologist, an Electroencephalographer, and experienced clinicians—to identify areas of brainwave dysregulation. We then compare these findings with your reported symptoms, allowing us to address the root causes rather than just the symptoms.

EEG Procedure:

Preparing for Your EEG Appointment
Please arrive with clean hair and scalp, free of any hair products. Avoid braids or large hairstyles that may prevent the sensors from laying flat against your head. We recommend eating a protein-rich meal and avoiding simple carbohydrates and sugars beforehand, as the brain functions best when properly fueled. You may take your regular medications, but please wait to have any caffeine until after the procedure. Following the EEG, you will have gel in your hair; we will remove as much as possible with a towel before you leave.

What to Expect During the EEG
To begin, we will place ear clips and fit you with an EEG cap. The cap contains 19 sites, each filled with a water-based electro-gel using a syringe. The gel must make direct contact with the scalp to record accurately. While those with scalp sensitivity may experience mild discomfort, most people find the process painless.

The EEG recording lasts about 22 minutes—11 minutes with eyes open and 11 minutes with eyes closed. Because movement and muscle tension can interfere with the recording, it’s best to remain still and relaxed.

After the Recording
Once your EEG is complete, we send the data to our neurology team for review. They will look for any abnormalities and biomarkers, and we typically receive your report within a week. We will then review your results with you and discuss the next steps in your care plan.

FAQ

Does the EEG procedure hurt?

The EEG procedure is non-invasive. The technology reads the electrical activity inside your head. It does not send any electricity to your brain.

How do I prepare for the qEEG/EEG?

Please arrive with clean hair and scalp, free of hair products, braids, or large hairstyles. Eat a protein-rich meal before your appointment and avoid simple carbohydrates and sugars, as the brain performs best when properly fueled. You may take your regular medications, but please wait to have caffeine until after the procedure. Following the EEG, you may have some gel in your hair; we will remove as much as possible with a towel before you leave.

Does insurance cover the qEEG/EEG?

If your doctor makes a referral to rule out seizure activity, insurance will likely pay for a portion of the procedure.