A qEEG brain map (quantitative electroencephalogram) is a detailed analysis of your brain’s electrical activity, like a map of how your brain is functioning. It’s often the first step before doing neurofeedback — especially advanced types like swLORETA — because it shows exactly what needs to be trained and where. A qEEG takes raw EEG data (brainwaves recorded from your scalp) and uses computer analysis to compare your brain activity to a normative database — basically, a large pool of data from people with healthy, typical brain function. Instead of just looking at squiggly lines (like traditional EEG), a qEEG creates visual maps of your brain activity, highlighting areas that are overactive, underactive, or out of sync. QEEG brain mapping is not a diagnostic tool on its own — but it can reveal patterns commonly associated with certain conditions.
A qEEG can help:
- Pinpoint the root of symptoms (e.g., brain fog, emotional dysregulation, poor focus)
- Guide neurofeedback protocols — what areas to train and how
- Track progress over time
- Personalize treatment instead of guessing
What Does a qEEG Measure?
- Power in each frequency band (Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, Gamma)
- Asymmetry – Is one side of the brain more active than the other?
- Coherence/Connectivity – Are brain regions communicating efficiently?
- Phase Lag – Is the timing between brain areas optimal?
- Peak Frequency – Is your brain processing at the ideal rhythm?
What’s the qEEG Process Like?
- EEG Recording (usually 19 channels): You’ll wear a cap with electrodes while sitting still with eyes open and closed.
- Artifact Removal: Eye blinks, muscle movement, and other “noise” are filtered out.
- Data Analysis: Specialized software compares your data to age- and gender-matched norms.
- Mapping & Report: 3d/2D maps of your brain electrical activity are generated and you are provided a report or summary of the findings and how your brain patterns relate to symptoms
