A brief introduction to QEEG and Neurotherapy
QEEG: The Basics
A Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG), also known as Brain Mapping is a method for measuring and interpreting brain activity across different regions of the brain. During this assessment, electrodes are placed on the persons head to record their brain activity while their eyes are open, closed, and sometimes while performing a task. The brain's electrical activity is recorded by a computer, which helps assess various aspects of cognitive function, such as emotion, memory, attention, learning, and overall brain performance. Until now, most qEEG assessment equipment has consisted of electrode caps requiring various gels to attain a good reading. Often this is a lengthy process for both client and clinician, however gel-free, wireless equipment is now available.
What information is in a qEEG / Brain Mapping Report
qEEG assessments provide various visual representation of brain wave activity across the frequency bands of Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma waves. Each frequency band correlates with different functioning and levels of activity. A range of quantitative analytical techniques can be applied to the EEG data including:
Power Spectral Density (PSD) displays the power or dominance of individual frequency bands and compares it to a normative database to identify abnormalities or deviations. These can be presented as:
o 2D topomaps for frequency bands or individual 1hz band ranges. This provides insights into the largest deviations for brain wave activity and their distribution.
o Spectra Maps help to see the variation in power across the frequency band in one location. 19 graphs (1 for each brain location) are presented with a Y-axis indicating power, and X-axis showing the frequency range (0-45hz).
Asymmetry analysis checks for imbalances between the brain's hemispheres, which can indicate potential issues like anxiety or depression.
Coherence analysis looks at the communication between different brain regions to assess how well they work together.
Power ratios help to identify what areas of the brain have an excess of a frequency band when compared to another.
AMICA Analisys: EEG continues to play a crucial role in both neuroscience research and clinical practice, with independent component analysis (ICA) serving as a key tool for EEG analysis. There are numerous ICA algorithms designed for EEG decomposition, and their effectiveness has been widely studied. AMICA, which is utilised by iSyncBrain, is often considered the gold standard. Through ICA analysis, sources of brain wave activity can be localised for further and more specific analysis.
Standardized Low Resolution Brain Electromagnetic Tomography (sLORETA) is a method for estimating the locations of electrical activity in the brain. It's a linear imaging method that uses EEG and MEG data to create statistical maps. sLORETA is used to estimate the underlying sources of electrical activity in the brain, and it remains a popular method for its simplicity, speed, and satisfactory estimation.
ROI connectivity is a method of analyzing the electrical activity of the brain using electroencephalography (EEG) to identify regions of interest (ROIs) with significant connectivity. It can be used to study brain connectivity in health and disease. Here, regions of interest are selected for analysis first, then connectivity is calculated between pairs of ROIs within networks or between networks . Lastly, connectivity values are analyzed for statistical significance. ROI connectivity can help identify brain connectivity abnormalities in health and disease. It can also provide non-invasive information about the brain's spectral and temporal activity.
3D interactive viewer here as a clinician, you can rotate the brain image to look at it from different perspectives. The brain can be seen as a whole, or it can be separated by hemispheres in order to access estimated EEG activity of internal structures. This can also be applied to connectivity of 68 anotomical sites.
iSyncBrain reports combine mapping reports and normal comparissons with functional descriptions in each ROI. These functions are right at your fingertips, accessible through your login on the iSyncBrain portal.
qEEG and Brain Mapping Report: The Next Step
This visual representation helps clinicians identify brain imbalances. For instance, individuals with depression often show slow Alpha, Delta, and Theta waves in the frontal lobe. These brain maps help guide treatment strategies, which may include neurofeedback, cognitive training, or psychotherapy. Reports can also be easily shared with and understood by other medical professionals to ensure comprehensive care and understanding of a clients presentation. Follow-up measurements can assess the effectiveness of the interventions.
Heart Rate Variability
HRV (Heart Rate Variability) refers to the variation in the time intervals between consecutive heartbeats. Unlike a consistent heartbeat, which suggests a rigid system, a variable heart rate indicates that the body can effectively respond to various stimuli, such as stress, exercise, and relaxation. HRV is regulated by two branches of the autonomic nervous system, the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS), and the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS). A higher HRV reflects a healthy balance between these systems, signalling that the body can adapt to changes and recover efficiently from stress. However, imbalances may signal states of depression or anxiety.
Neurofeedback and Other Neuromodulation Therapies
Bioback is a personalized therapy that provides real-time feedback on physiological parameters such as heart rate, skin conductance, respiration, temperature, muscle tension, and brainwaves (EEG). Using the individual’s brain map and reported symptoms, a clinician develops a tailored protocol to help regulate brain activity. The protocol works by rewarding the brain when it produces the desired brainwave activity.
During the session, the individual sits comfortably, often watching a movie or listening to music. As the person produces the desired brainwave patterns, they are rewarded with clearer images or improved sound. This system encourages the brain to "exercise" its neural pathways, promoting neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new connections. Over time, this process helps the brain return to a more balanced, optimal state.
Neuromodulation therapies have shown success in treating conditions like Traumatic Brain Injury, Autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Anxiety, Depression, and Epilepsy—sometimes completely normalizing brain function or dramatically improving it.
Understanding Photobiomodulation
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is based on the principle that specific wavelengths of light can penetrate the skin and underlying tissues, influencing cellular processes at a molecular level. The most commonly used wavelengths for PBM range from 600 to 1,000 nanometers, with red and near-infrared light being the most effective. These wavelengths interact with cellular components, particularly mitochondria, triggering cellular responses that aid in healing.
PBM has proven particularly effective in promoting wound healing. It accelerates tissue repair by stimulating the growth of fibroblasts, the cells that synthesize collagen and other vital components of the extracellular matrix. This makes PBM especially beneficial for healing wounds, injuries, and post-surgical recovery. PBM’s ability to influence tissue healing has expanded its use to brain health as well, where specific protocols are used to address conditions like poor sleep, depression, anxiety, and more complex neurological issues.
QEEG with iSyncWave vs QEEG with other equipment
iSyncWave is unique because it is the only existing device capable of delivering both assessment and therapy using the same equipment. Not only that, as a clinician you can deliver:
· Gel-free and wireless QEEG assessments -easy for you, easy for your client.
· A comprehensive report downloaded in just ten minutes, including HRV.
· A normative database classified by age and gender -a world’s first.
· Photobiomodulation therapy.
· Neurofeedback therapy.
Whether you are starting to become familiar with neurotherapy, or you are a seasoned practitioner, iMediSync speaks your language because this is a device designed by clinicians, for clinicians. Now available in Australia.