ALL ABOUT qEEG

Clinicians at Windward Biofeedback Associates have extensive experience in collecting, reading, and interpreting the initial qEEG. We use the initial Q, in conjunction with the client’s stated goals, to determine beginning protocols for treatment.

Quantitative electrophysiology uses mathematical and statistical methods to analyze brain activity, typically recorded through an EEG.

qEEG processes raw EEG data to extract insights like power spectral density, coherence, and brain connectivity, aiding in diagnostics, treatment monitoring, and research. Its development reflects advances in computational tools over time.

qEEG Applications:

1. Diagnostics: Detects brain activity abnormalities in conditions like epilepsy, ADHD, depression, and brain injury.
2. Treatment Monitoring: Assesses the effectiveness of treatments like neurofeedback or medication by comparing brain activity over time.
3. Neurofeedback Therapy: Guides neurofeedback by identifying dysregulated brainwave patterns, common in ADHD and PTSD.
4. Cognitive Enhancement: Used in non-clinical settings for optimizing mental performance and athletic training.
5. Research: Explores brain function, connectivity, and responses to stimuli.

qEEG Accuracy:

Accuracy depends on clinical application, data quality, expertise, and comparison to normative databases. It’s highly reliable in diagnosing conditions like epilepsy but less so as a standalone tool for ADHD or depression, where it’s used alongside other methods.

qEEG vs. MRI:

qEEG measures brain function, while MRI maps brain structure. They are complementary tools, often used together for a full picture of brain health.

qEEG vs. fMRI:

1. Measurement: qEEG captures electrical activity in real time; fMRI measures blood flow to infer brain activity.
2. Temporal Resolution: qEEG is faster, detecting millisecond-level changes; fMRI is slower due to delayed blood flow response.
3. Spatial Resolution: fMRI provides more precise spatial mapping of brain regions, while qEEG has lower spatial accuracy.
4. Portability: qEEG is portable and less expensive, while fMRI requires specialized equipment.
qEEG excels in real-time brain function monitoring, while fMRI offers detailed spatial imaging. Both are complementary, providing a comprehensive view of brain activity and structure.