QEEG Brain Scans
QEEG Brain Scans
Perth Brain Centre uses functional brain imaging technology known as Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG) Brain Scans and 3-Dimensional Brain Mapping, using Low-resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (LORETA).
Whilst some health professionals are familiar with Clinical EEG, few are familiar with the sub-speciality of QEEG. QEEG was initially developed in the 1960s by researchers at The Brain Research Institute at The University of California (UCLA), who were working alongside NASA to develop a method of detailed analysis to help understand the effects of space travel on the human brain. Over the past 50 years QEEG has developed to be a primary tool in research neuroscience with over 1500 studies published in peer-reviewed journals.
QEEG accurately maps brain function
QEEG Brain Scans are safe, appropriate for almost any age and conducted on-site in our clinic. Unlike standard CT and MRI scans which provide information about brain structure, QEEG Brain Scans provide important information about how the brain is working by directly measuring the electrical activity of the brain - EEG. Specialised software is used to compares an individual’s pattern of brainwave activity to reference databases (hence Quantitative EEG is also known as Referenced EEG). The results of this complex analysis are used to generate 2-Dimensional and detailed 3-Dimensional images that show brain function.
Recording QEEG
During a QEEG Brain Scan an “electrode cap” is placed on the head with small sensors used to detect the electrical activity of the brain (EEG). The cap is designed to fit firmly, and whilst not painful, some people may find the cap mildly uncomfortable. Special gel is used to improve the connection between the sensors and the head (this is injected into the sensors in the cap using a blunt-ended needle which cannot pierce the skin). Small ear-clip electrodes are also attached gently to the ears. QEEG Brain Scans are conducted in clinic whilst sitting upright and awake.
The time taken to set-up can differ from one person to another and can vary from about 10 to 20 minutes. During this period of set-up it is important to remain seated and reasonably still. This can of course be difficult for some people (especially young children) and we would recommend that parents of young children consider bringing a few items along to the appointment such as their child’s favourite book, electronic device (eg. to play a movie) or toy to help distract them if needed.
Once the set-up is complete the recording can be done. The time taken to record can differ from one person to another and can vary from about 10 to 20 minutes. During this period of recording it is very important to remain seated and as still as possible. Again this can be difficult for some people (especially young children) and if necessary children may be able to watch a video to help keep them seated and as still as possible. Recordings may be performed with eyes open, eyes closed, or both, depending upon the case. Once the recording(s) are finished the cap is removed. There is always some gel left in the hair, but this can be easily washed out later at home
Interpreting QEEG
QEEG is normally conducted “resting state” and recordings are usually taken, wherever possible, whilst the person has their eyes open and also whilst their eyes are closed, although this is not always possible in some cases (for example with very young children). The initial stage of analysis includes visual interpretation of the raw data and the use of specialised software to automatically detect seizure and spike activity, the presence of which would prompt onward referral.
Specialised software is then also used to compares an individual’s pattern of brainwave activity to reference databases (hence Quantitative EEG is also known as Referenced EEG). The results of this complex analysis are used to generate 2-Dimensional brain maps and detailed 3-Dimensional images that show brain function.
The role of QEEG in diagnosis
QEEG Brain Scans are not used to provide a clinical diagnosis, because the diagnosis of disorders such as ADHD, Anxiety or Autism is based upon symptoms. Symptoms can (and often do) overlap between different disorders, in research this is known as “trans-diagnostic.” However the results of QEEG can be used to provide answers about how someone’s brain in working and help explain why someone is thinking, feeling or behaving the way that they do.
“QEEG is a modern type of EEG analysis that involves recording digital EEG signals which are processed, transformed, and analysed using complex mathematical algorithms. QEEG has brought new techniques of EEG signals feature extraction: analysis of specific frequency band and signal complexity, analysis of connectivity and network analysis. The clinical application of QEEG is extensive, including neuropsychiatric disorders, epilepsy, stroke, dementia, traumatic brain injury, mental health disorders and many others. The role of QEEG is not necessarily to pinpoint an immediate diagnosis but to provide additional insight in conjunction with other diagnostic evaluations in order to provide objective information necessary for obtaining a precise diagnosis, correct disease severity assessment, and specific treatment response evaluation.” (Livint Popa L, Dragos H, Pantelemon C, Verisezan Rosu O, Strilciuc S. The Role of Quantitative EEG in the Diagnosis of Neuropsychiatric Disorders. J Med Life. 2020;13(1):8-15. doi:10.25122/jml-2019-0085).
QEEG and EEG, CT, fMRI, MRI, SPECT & PET
Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG) Brain Scans (also known as Referenced EEG) are unique within the field of neuroscience and brain-imaging. QEEG directly measures brain activity (EEG), and therefore differs significantly from Functional MRI (fMRI), PET and SPECT scans all of which assess brain activity indirectly by measuring blood flow, the latter two examinations also requiring the use of radioactive tracers. It is important to note that EEG is not the same as Clinical EEG, and is not used to diagnose epilepsy. However The Perth Brain Centre uses specialised software which automatically detects seizures and spike activity, the presence of which would prompt onward referral.
QEEG and Research
QEEG is a primary tool in neuroscience and is used in research centres all over the world with over 1500 studies published in peer-reviewed journals.Clinical research indicates that the clinical application of QEEG is extensive, including (but not limited to) neuropsychiatric disorders, epilepsy, stroke, dementia, traumatic brain injury and mental health disorders.
