QEEG Brain Mapping

  

An assessment tool of acquiring EEG data in eyes open and eyes closed state. The data collected is then compared to a data base of “normal” EEG’s to identify areas in the brain that are “out of synch” or dysregulated and cause symptoms like ADD.  The brain map information is used to set up personalized protocols for Neurofeedback.

http://qeegcertificationboard.org

• Time of Day: The best time to schedule a brain map is in the morning when you are most alert and your mind refreshed rather than in the afternoon.
• Sleep: Try your best to get a good night sleep before you come and avoid sleep medications which can leave you feeling hung over and mentally foggy after you wake up.
• Food: Try your best to eat a nutritious breakfast or have a protein snack 1 hour before your brain map. Be sure to be well hydrated. Bring a water bottle with you.
• Caution: Avoid caffeine and nicotine 30 minutes prior to your brain map.
• Medication: Continue with your prescribed medications as directed by your doctor and let us know what you are taking so that we can take that into account since some medications do affect your EEG activity.
• Hygiene: Wash and dry your hair and avoid all styling products on the day of your brain map. These products like conditioner and gel leave a residue on your scalp which interferes with obtaining a good signal and contact of the sensors to the scalp.
• Eyewear: To minimize eye blinking, it is best to remove contact lenses during the recording of the brain map. Please bring your contact lens case and solution to store your contacts. Eyeglasses can be worn if needed but may be more comfortable if removed while wearing the sensor cap.

What to bring with you:

• Contact lens case and solution if needed.
• Water bottle and small snack
• Drying towel, comb to restyle or hat/scarf to cover the head after the recording is over.

What to expect:

When you come for your appointment, you must turn off your cell phone or any other electronic equipment which can interfere with the recording. We strongly encourage you to visit the bathroom down the hall immediately before we begin to set up for the recording. Once we get started it is very difficult to stop for a potty break.

You will sit in a comfortable chair. We will be placing a cap on your head (similar to a swim cap) with 19 sensors attached to it. At each sensor site we will be adding conductive gel to amplify the signal. The gel is clear and water soluble and is similar in consistency to hair gel. We will also attach a sensor to each ear lobe and one to your forearm. If you are wearing earrings, you will need to remove them. We will check to make sure that all the sensors are able to pick up the brain signals clearly without interference before we begin to record.

The recording is divided into two parts. The first is recording with your eyes open for 6 – 10 minutes and the second is with your eyes closed for the same amount of time. The primary goal is to obtain the most accurate “snap shot” of your brain activity when you are rested, relaxed, alert and comfortably satiated (not hungry). It is best to obtain a recording of the EEG with as little artifact as possible. Artifact is something other than EEG that usually comes from the electrical energy given off by eye movements, jaw or tongue movements, muscle tension in the forehead or drowsiness. We will guide you through the process and may ask you to relax your forehead or jaw from time to time. Just relax, sit quietly and stay as alert as possible.

When the recording is completed, the cap is removed and there will be spots of this gel still left on your head. We will try our best to wipe most of it off but there will be residual amounts still on your head. You can use the bathroom to rinse off your head if you like and dry with a towel that you bring. A comb or brush would be advisable to help you look your best when you leave. Hats or scarves are helpful to wear until you can get home to shower.

Be aware that a recording may need to be repeated due to excessive artifact like movement, drowsiness or muscle tension. Another reason would be if the individual is not able to tolerate the recoding procedure such as sitting quietly or not able to tolerate having the cap on their head. There will be an additional administrative charge if there is a need to reschedule.