What is a QEEG Brain Map?

One of the most important steps in Sober Brains’ neurofeedback therapy for recently recovered addicts is generating a QEEG map of your brain.

You may be wondering what QEEG stands for, why we need to make a map of your brain, and what getting this test is like. We explain all this and more below, so that you understand exactly what a QEEG is and how it helps you retrain your brain and kick your addiction.

 

What is QEEG?

QEEG stands for quantitative electroencephalogram. This fancy scientific term is certainly not easy to pronounce, which is why we refer to it by its abbreviation.

The easiest way to explain what this term means is to break it down into its individual parts. “Quantitative” means a measurement of the quantity or amount of something. “Electroencephalogram” is a picture of the electrical activity happening inside your brain, which is measured and presented in the form of brain waves.

So, the basic meaning of QEEG is a test that measures of the quantity of your brain activity.

 

What Does a QEEG Test For?

Why do we need to take a measurement of your brain waves? Well, the more data we collect on your brain waves, the better we can identify patterns which indicate the presence of neural pathways. Signals use these pathways to travel from one part of your brain to the other.

The signals in our brains are the thoughts and processes that lead to actions in other parts of our bodies. It’s a function of our nervous system that allows us to walk, run, speak, and even do something small, like move our pinky finger.

Once we measure your brain activity, we can develop a brain map. This allows us to see the big picture that is your brain, including all the electrical activity (or waves) that are passing through your neural pathways. From here, we can identify those pathways through which your brainwave activity appears abnormal. This may indicate the presence of patterns showing how your brain is supporting an addiction you’re trying to get rid of.

 

Is QEEG Necessary for Neurofeedback?

Developing the QEEG brain map is the first step toward supporting your fight against addiction using neurofeedback. Here’s why.

When you become addicted to something, it changes your brain. It alters your neural pathways, disrupts communication between signals, and causes all sorts of havoc. So, when you try to break your addiction without fixing your brain, oftentimes you’ll find yourself falling back into your old habits.

Why? Because there are now neural pathways in your brain that are trained to give in to your addiction. Anytime you receive an outside stimulus or a trigger, such as a stressful event, you immediately feel compelled to smoke that cigarette or take a pill.

We have to correct these pathways and retrain your brain so that you’ll feel less compelled to go back to your old, unhealthy coping mechanisms.

This is the best way to fight addiction: from the brain. That’s why we recommend neurofeedback as a supportive treatment for when you’ve completed your primary treatment plan or have been sober for at least 30 days.

Before we can start that, though, we need a map of your brain so we can find those areas where your neural pathways need repair or to retrain. That way, we know which areas to target during your neurofeedback sessions.

 

How Does QEEG Work?

In case you were thinking that in order to get a QEEG test, you have to be loaded into a machine like you’re getting an MRI, you couldn’t be more wrong! Getting a QEEG test is completely non-invasive, and it can be done while you’re sitting in a comfortable chair.

Here’s how it works. A licensed practitioner places sensors on your scalp. These are not painful. There is a little gel that helps connect the sensors to your scalp that may feel a little cold, but it comes right off with a towel and a splash of water afterwards.

The sensors are connected to a computer. From there, all you have to do is sit still while the practitioner runs the QEEG program and generates your unique brain map.

 

Are There Any Side Effects From a QEEG?

While the test is happening, you won’t feel anything. It doesn’t cause any feelings of nausea, pain, fatigue, or any other unpleasant sensations.

 

Is the QEEG FDA-Approved?

The QEEG brain map is an approved tool recognized by the FDA.

 

How Often Should I Get a QEEG?

When you purchase Sober Brains’ Primary Package for neurofeedback treatment, we perform a QEEG two times. The first time is at the very beginning of your treatment plan, and the second time is midway between your 40 sessions. The purpose of the second test is to see how your brain is doing and how you’ve progressed since the start of your therapy.

The second QEEG is more targeted and with less overall information than the first, which is why we call it a Mini QEEG.

You can also get a QEEG as part of our Ancillary Services. If at any time you feel you want an updated brain map, or if you want this step performed before you commit to purchasing our Primary Package with 40 neurofeedback sessions, you can simply request it.

 

How Do I Schedule a QEEG?

If you’re committed to doing a QEEG brain map with Sober Brains, click Contact Us to join our waitlist.