qEEG: How is the quantitative EEG different from other brain tests?

 There are a number of tests available to test the brain: eg, PET scans, fMRI, SPECT scans, and MEG, to name a few. These tests are very costly and, in some cases, there may be risks involved with the procedures needed to run the tests. For instance, PET scans require injecting radioactive labels and are considered unsafe for repeated use, and for pregnant women and children. The MEG and other imaging techniques have a similar radiation risk, pricing concerns, and limited availability.

Recent studies conclude that the qEEG is extremely reliable to measure brain waves and overall brain function. Results of qEEG testing consistently show high correlation to other types of brain analysis. An additional benefit of the qEEG is that it can detect subtle brain dysfunction that is not discernible with other methods.

What does the qEEG look like?

There is a clear distinction between the qEEG and many other commonly used imaging techniques in medicine. MRIs, CAT scans, and x-rays are tools used to detect anomalies in brain anatomy or structure. The qEEG is utilized to measure brain physiology, or brain function. Even slight variations from the norm in brain wave activity found in the qEEG can lend clear understanding to symptoms of many different disorders.

Additionally, it is important to recognize that the qEEG is very different from a “clinical EEG.” The latter is used in the medical community to determine if there is a serious brain pathology, such as a tumor. The qEEG is not designed to diagnose tumors or other structural medical conditions. Its purpose is to evaluate the manner in which a particular person’s brain functions to determine which brain waves are out of balance from the norm, or typical, for healthy brain function.

The analysis of this important brain wave assessment is a dynamic aid to health care professionals as an objective scientific tool for use in assessing mental health symptoms and disorders. The information gathered during a qEEG provides specific information about precise areas of the brain and the specific brain waves that are out of balance in a given patient’s brain. Understanding this physiological reason for symptoms helps the practitioner develop an appropriate treatment plan.

What are some disorders linked to brain wave imbalance?

Dallas Brain Changers:

Dallas Brain Changers utilizes the qEEG as an assessment tool before beginning treatment with neurofeedback and Christian counseling. We refer to it as “looking under the hood.” In this way, we are able to develop a very specific treatment plan for each client that allows for the greatest healing, physically, emotionally, and Spiritually. The treatment plan consists retraining the brain through neurofeedback therapy and working through issues in counseling. In counseling, we address unhealthy thought and behavior patterns that have developed as a result of the issues or disorder, and we set goals toward developing healthier patterns of thought and behavior. Neurofeedback sessions are designed to retrain the brain waves to perform within the norm, or typical, for health brain function. By the end of treatment, most clients have titrated off of their medications, as healthy brain wave function results in a significant reduction or elimination of symptoms.

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Dr. Stephanie Golder, MA, ThD, Stephen Minister, Hemispheric Life Coach

Mindy Fritz, MS, LCDC, BCN