What is a Brain Map (qEEG)?
Brain mapping, also known as quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG), is one type of a brain test where the electrical activity produced in the brain, called brainwaves, are evaluated.
Brainwaves represent the oscillatory and rhythmic action of either a single or multiple brain cells. Brainwaves working together is how we as humans come up with a thought.
We gather brain cells or neuronal assemblies through our sensory perceptions, then connect our perceptions to a vast network.
As our brainwaves fire, they generate electrical power. The electrical power that is generated can be measured through the scalp. The brain wave activity can be observed on an electroencephalogram and further analyzed using a method called Quantitative EEG (qEEG).
QEEG is a digitized analysis measuring electrical patterns at the surface of the scalp reflecting cortical activity and this activity is known as your brainwaves.
There are many waves:
- delta
- theta
- alpha
- low-beta
- beta
- high beta
- and gamma.
Your brain creates simple electricity through electrochemical processes which allows your brain to carry out learning, communicating, and managing emotions, just to name a few.
What to expect during a brain map?
A mesh cap is placed on the head which has little plastic openings called electrodes A. gel-like substance is put into the openings of the electrodes creating a connection between the electrode and the scalp.
There are clips that are placed on the ears that have a paste-like substance, this connection creates a circuit.
Typically, there are two recordings, one with eyes closed and the second one your eyes open.
There is no pain involved in this process, it’s like wearing a swim cap. Nothing goes into your brain, we are simply reading your brainwaves for expected ranges and organization.
Following the assessment, a neurofeedback plan is created. Neurofeedback is a practice in self-regulation.
If an individual is struggling to focus, the practice of neurofeedback creates the time and place to practice focus.
The practice of neurofeedback usually requires 40 sessions. Neurofeedback EEG cap or leads are placed on various places on the head. The brain communicates with various placements in order to establish rhythmic communication throughout the entire brain.
The goal in neurofeedback is to use your own brain’s activity as a form of therapy to exercise the ability to self-regulate your thoughts and body.
Neurofeedback is something that you are designed to do. However, when you are “stuck”, you simply have temporarily lost the ability to do it on your own.
Neurofeedback is a real-time therapy allowing you to reconnect to yourself.
We see dramatic transformations with:
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Trauma and more!