Neurofeedback brain mapping

What is brain mapping?

Brain mapping, also known as quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG), is a type of brain test that assesses the electrical activity produced in the brain, called brain waves. Brain waves represent the oscillatory and rhythmic action of single brain cells or multiple brain cells interacting and working together. When brain cells work, they create electrical energy. This energy, which comes from different parts of the brain, can be measured through the scalp. Waveforms (brain waves), produced by the brain, represent the rhythmic and repetitive neural activity of the central nervous system. Brainwave activity, when produced by a large number of brain cells gathering and working together, can be observed on an electroencephalogram and further analyzed using a QEEG analysis method called neurometry.

1 What is neurometry?

Neurometry is the science of measuring the organization of electrical activity in the brain, which is represented by brain wave patterns. The different components of the brain wave, such as power amplitude, power ratios, coherence and phase, all reveal the functional organization or disorganization of the brain's electrical activity. Each of these components reveals variations in brain function that may be associated with different types of brain function, such as attention and concentration, as well as brain conditions and/or diseases. Brainwave activity reflects cortical and subcortical functioning which, when analyzed, can become very useful in diagnosing and treating a variety of problems. Brain mapping allows us to obtain valuable information about brain wave patterns and interactions between different parts of the brain.

2 About Brainwave Frequencies

Brainwave frequencies are an important aspect of brain function. These frequencies can be associated with psychological processes and states. Some brain waves are slow, some are medium and some are quite fast. We define brain waves as EEG bands. The most common EEG bands that are analyzed in the brain map are the delta, theta, alpha and beta bands. Beta waves can be subdivided into low beta, medium beta and high beta. Each brain has some degree of each of these brain waves present at different times of the day and night and in different regions of our brain. QEEG analysis can determine which brain waves are present and to what degree in different areas of the brain during different tasks, including eyes open and eyes closed.

3 What does brain mapping treat?

  • attention disorders
  • memory disorders
  • executive function disorders
  • obsessive-compulsive disorders
  • auditory and visual processing disorders
  • learning disabilities

    • 4 Brain Mapping Techniques and Technology

    Gathering information from a brain/Qeeg map requires the use of specialized instruments. First, the electrical energy produced by brain waves in the brain must be accurately measured. To do this, a cap, containing wires/sensors, is placed on the patient's head. These wires are in direct contact with the surface of the scalp where we can capture the information about the brain waves. In order to optimize the amount of electrical activity collected during the test for analysis, each electrode contained in the cap is prepared with a conductive gel. Once the cap is placed on the patient's head, it is connected to a computer equipped with software that analyzes the brain waves. It is important to measure the impedance or resistance of the electrical circuit of each sensor in order to optimize the electrical information flowing through the scalp to the probe. A low impedance is the goal in order to obtain a good measurement of the electrical activity of the brain. No electrical energy is injected into the patient's head at any time during the test. Computerized analysis of the raw EEG data involves examination of a variety of parameters. These include frequency distribution, signal amplitude, localization of events in the brain, waveform shape, voltage symmetry, and voltage and frequency regulation.

    Segments of the raw EEG data collected in the brain map are analyzed and measured by the software and presented as numbers and statistical brain maps. These maps are topographic and represent the surface of the skull. The different probe sites where the information was recorded are represented on the topographic map. These sites correspond to different areas of the brain that are responsible for different brain functions. In order to increase the clinical value and significance of the QEEG, a normative database is used. This database is used to compare an individual to a normative population to determine and quantify the degree of difference between an individual and the "normal".

    Treatment that uses the same technology as QEEG is called neurofeedback, neurotherapy or biofeedback. QEEG provides the information necessary to implement neurofeedback training to retrain specific areas of the brain based on the location of deficits and the frequency bands that need to be trained. This is done through visual or auditory feedback which can take the form of brain games, movies or other brain gym activities. Neurofeedback is essentially a form of feedback-mediated cognitive behavioral therapy.

    InnerWaveCenter's specialists are here to help you discover and master neurofeedback.

    Check out these articles to learn more about neurofeedback therapy. Aromatherapy is the ideal complementary medicine to accompany neurofeedback therapy and enhance its effect with essential oils. And you can try to make the winning combo, try to get your neurofeedback sessions reimbursed by your insurance and while you're at it also get payment for your essential oils for the brain!