QEEG & Brain Mapping

QEEG & Neurofeedback in Sonoma County

Assessment is a critical component of neurofeedback as it helps establish a baseline for brain function, identify dysregulations, and tailor treatment plans to individual needs. A thorough assessment allows us to understand the your brain's EEG patterns and how they relate to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, sleep disturbances, and more. By gathering both subjective and objective data, we can create targeted neurofeedback protocols to help train your brain toward more optimal functioning. Regular reassessments help us to track progress over time, ensuring that training is effective and that we can adjust it as needed to maximize your therapeutic outcomes.

There are several types of assessments used in neurofeedback, each serving a specific purpose.

Subjective Assessments Measures

First we start with a series of online questionnaires and symptom checklists. These forms helps us to understand your primary issues and how you want to prioritize them. Once the questionnaires are complete, we then have an assessment interview, where the above information is reviewed and further clarification is provided. Information from the questionnaires and interview, when taken with objective data collected, helps us to correlate your symptoms to specific regions in the brain that may require training.

Objective Assessment Measures

In many situations, new clients complete an online continuous performance tests (CPT), which asks you to engage in a specified task (e.g., pressing a button on your keyboard every time you see a particular color dot on your computer screen). CPT's help us understand how well your brain responds to specific tasks.

After the online questionnaires and CPT's, we focus on gathering other objective data about your brain's functioning. We may complete a full, 19-channel Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG), also known as a brain map, which provides a detailed analysis of brainwave activity and areas of dysregulation. QEEG is the "Gold Standard" in the field and is recommended for nearly all clients. A Mini-QEEG, which is an alternative to the full QEEG, provides targeted information about a limited number of sites on the brain. In some cases, a Predictive Map may be indicated. A predictive map is solely based on symptoms and does not involve any EEG recording.

Although not necessary for ILF, LENS, or HEG neurofeedback training, QEEG's and Mini-Q's can be helpful in treatment planning for these approaches as well. Together, these assessment tools provide a comprehensive understanding of the client’s neurophysiological state, guiding the neurofeedback training process for optimal results.

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Full 19-Channel QEEG

A QEEG is a non-invasive assessment tool that measures electrical activity in the brain to analyze brainwave patterns. By placing sensors on 19-spots on the scalp, QEEG records EEG signals and processes them using advanced statistical analysis to identify areas of dysregulation, asymmetry, or abnormal connectivity. The data are then compared to the client's symptoms to help us understand where on the brain we should train. This comprehensive analysis helps clinicians develop personalized neurofeedback training protocols aimed at optimizing brain function and improving symptoms.

Mini-QEEG Brain Map

A mini-QEEG is a simplified version of a full QEEG assessment, typically using fewer electrodes and a shorter recording time. While it does not provide the same level of detail as a full QEEG, it still offers valuable insights into brainwave activity and potential dysregulations. Mini-QEEGs are often used for initial screenings, progress tracking, or when a quick assessment is needed to guide neurofeedback training. A mini-QEEG helps clinicians make informed decisions about treatment direction while maintaining efficiency and accessibility.

Predictive EEG Brainmap

A predictive brain map is a neurofeedback assessment that identifies brain regions to target with neurofeedback based solely on the client's presenting symptoms. A symptom-based map prioritizes the individual's unique neurological profile and how it relates to their cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral challenges. Although predictive maps do not provide the same level of detail that a QEEG map does, predictive maps can help us develop targeted neurofeedback protocols aimed at addressing the root causes of symptoms, enhancing the effectiveness of treatment. For some clients, a predictive map is appealing because it costs less than a full QEEG or mini-map. Predictive maps are used for ILF and LENS neurofeedback training, and can be used for traditional neurofeedback as well.