What qEEG (BrainMap) is: how a map of brain activity is made and what it can tell you
The brain constantly produces electrical activity. With sensors placed on the scalp, this activity can be recorded, analysed and turned into a "map". That, put simply, is qEEG. It's one of the most requested assessments at Emmanuel CliniX and, optionally, part of the NeuroFit Plus and Premium memberships.
In short
qEEG (quantitative electroencephalography), also called BrainMap, records the brain's electrical activity through sensors on the scalp and analyses it with software. The result is a series of maps showing how brain waves are distributed and how they compare with reference values. It's a non-invasive procedure that only reads the brain's activity. qEEG provides useful information in an assessment, but it doesn't make a diagnosis on its own: the results are interpreted by specialists, together with the rest of the assessment.
EEG and qEEG: what's the difference
An EEG (electroencephalogram) records the brain's electrical activity as traces, which a specialist reads visually.
A qEEG starts from the same recording but analyses it quantitatively: software calculates, for each area, how much activity there is in each frequency band and how the areas communicate with each other. The results are then compared with reference databases and shown as coloured maps.
Brain waves, simply put
The brain's electrical activity is usually described in frequency bands:
- delta, the slowest, associated mainly with deep sleep;
- theta, associated with drowsiness, deep relaxation or imagination;
- alpha, common in a relaxed state, for example with the eyes closed;
- beta, associated with active attention, thinking and concentration;
- gamma, the fastest, studied in connection with complex information processing.
None of them is "good" or "bad" in itself. What matters is their balance, the area where they appear and the context.
qEEG doesn't read your thoughts. It shows patterns of activity, not what you think or feel.
How the assessment works
- The initial conversation. The specialist learns the reason for the assessment, the relevant history and any medication.
- Preparation. A cap with sensors is placed on your head and a gel is applied to ensure contact with the scalp.
- The recording. You sit quietly in a chair, a few minutes with your eyes closed and a few minutes with your eyes open. Sometimes you're asked to do a simple task.
- The analysis. The data are cleaned of artefacts (movement, blinking) and analysed quantitatively.
- Discussing the results. The specialist explains the maps and what they mean in your context.
The procedure doesn't hurt, sends nothing into the body and needs no recovery. The only inconvenience is the gel in your hair, which washes out easily.
What a qEEG can tell you
- how activity is distributed across areas and frequency bands;
- where there are deviations from reference values;
- how different areas of the brain communicate with each other;
- how patterns change from one assessment to the next, when it's repeated over time.
In practice, this information helps specialists understand a situation better, choose a direction of work and follow progress.
What a qEEG can't tell you
- it doesn't make a psychiatric or neurological diagnosis on its own;
- it doesn't measure intelligence or personality;
- it doesn't read thoughts, memories or emotions;
- it doesn't replace a medical consultation or psychological assessment.
The results only make sense when interpreted by specialists and placed in the context of the whole assessment.
How to prepare
- Wash your hair the evening before or on the morning of the assessment, and don't use styling products, oil or conditioner.
- Sleep as normally as you can the night before.
- Eat normally beforehand and avoid large amounts of coffee or energy drinks.
- Don't stop or change your medication without your doctor's agreement. Tell the specialist what you take.
- If you have them, bring the results of any previous assessments.
qEEG at Emmanuel CliniX and in NeuroFit memberships
The BrainMap qEEG assessment is a specialised service provided by Emmanuel CliniX, the clinic behind NeuroFit, through the appropriate specialists.
In NeuroFit memberships:
- Plus optionally includes a BrainMap qEEG assessment every 6 months of active membership;
- Premium optionally includes one every 3 months.
Inclusion depends on clinical eligibility and the specialists' recommendation. The assessment isn't mandatory and isn't necessary for everyone.
qEEG and neurofeedback: the connection
Both use EEG, but they have different purposes. qEEG is an assessment: it records and analyses. Neurofeedback is training: it uses the real-time signal to give the brain feedback. At NeuroFit we use NeurOptimal® neurofeedback in the Focus, Relax and Longevity experiences. The NeurOptimal® system doesn't need a prior qEEG to work.
Frequently asked questions
What is a qEEG or BrainMap?
A recording of the brain's electrical activity, analysed quantitatively and shown as maps. It's non-invasive and only reads the brain's activity.
Does a qEEG assessment hurt?
No. The sensors only record. The only inconvenience is the gel in your hair, which washes out easily after the assessment.
Can a qEEG make a diagnosis?
Not on its own. It provides useful information in an assessment, but the diagnosis is made by doctors and psychologists, based on the whole assessment.
Is qEEG included in NeuroFit memberships?
Yes, optionally: every 6 months with Plus and every 3 months with Premium, depending on clinical eligibility. The assessment is an Emmanuel CliniX service.
Brain wellness information. It is not medical advice and does not replace specialist assessment, diagnosis or treatment.