What is QEEG Brain Mapping?
Quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) is an advanced form of EEG analysis that transforms raw brain wave data into detailed functional maps. Unlike standard EEG, which primarily identifies gross abnormalities, QEEG provides nuanced information about patterns of brain activity, connectivity between regions, and deviations from normative databases.
The assessment involves placing a cap containing multiple sensors on the scalp. These sensors detect the tiny electrical signals produced by brain activity. The recorded data is then processed using sophisticated analytical software, producing detailed maps that reveal how different brain regions are functioning and communicating.
This information is invaluable for understanding conditions like ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, depression, and anxiety at a neurological level. Rather than relying solely on behavioural observations and self-reported symptoms, QEEG provides objective data about how your brain is functioning.
Clinical Applications
QEEG brain mapping is particularly valuable for:
Diagnostic Clarification
When clinical presentation is complex or previous assessments have been inconclusive, QEEG can provide objective neurophysiological data to support diagnostic formulation.
Treatment Planning
QEEG findings directly inform the development of personalised treatment protocols. For neuromodulation therapies such as TMS, the brain map guides precise targeting of treatment to the specific regions requiring intervention.
Progress Monitoring
Repeat QEEG assessments during treatment provide objective evidence of neurological change, enabling treatment protocols to be refined based on measured response rather than symptom report alone.
The Assessment Process
1. Preparation
The assessment takes approximately 90 minutes. Patients are asked to arrive with clean, dry hair (no products) and to have slept normally the night before. The assessment takes place in a comfortable, quiet room. We'll place a cap fitted with small sensors on your head. The cap contains 19 electrodes that detect electrical activity—there's no pain or discomfort, and nothing is sent into your brain. The assessment is completely non-invasive.
2. Recording
You'll be asked to sit quietly with your eyes closed for several minutes, then with your eyes open. Some assessments include simple tasks like reading or concentrating on a specific point. The total recording time is typically varies. Recording takes approximately 30 minutes, during which patients sit quietly with eyes open and eyes closed. The process is entirely painless.
3. Analysis
Your brain's electrical signals are processed using sophisticated software that compares your activity patterns against normative databases. This reveals where your neural activity differs from typical patterns, helping identify areas of over- or under-activation. The recorded data is processed and analysed against normative databases. Dr Aydin personally reviews all QEEG data as part of the diagnostic formulation.
4. Report & Consultation
Our QEEG reports are prepared in collaboration with consultant neurologists. You'll receive a detailed written report explaining the findings in accessible language, along with functional brain maps showing the identified patterns. A detailed report is produced, and findings are discussed in a follow-up consultation. The implications for treatment planning are explained, and recommendations are made.
5. Treatment Planning
The QEEG findings inform your personalised treatment plan. If TMS or other neuromodulation is recommended, we'll explain exactly which brain regions we're targeting and why.
Conditions Assessed
QEEG brain mapping is utilised in the assessment of:
- Autism Spectrum Conditions — Research has identified various QEEG patterns associated with autism, including differences in connectivity between brain regions. While QEEG cannot diagnose autism alone, it provides valuable information about neural functioning that informs treatment planning.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder — QEEG often reveals characteristic patterns in ADHD, including elevated theta/beta ratios in frontal regions. These findings can support diagnosis and help target neuromodulation treatment to the most affected areas.
- Specific Learning Difficulties — Specific learning disorders often have neurological correlates visible on QEEG. Understanding these patterns helps differentiate between different types of learning difficulty and guides intervention strategies.
- Depression & Anxiety Disorders — Studies show that depression is associated with specific patterns of brain activity, particularly in the prefrontal cortex. QEEG can identify these patterns and predict which patients are most likely to respond to TMS therapy. Anxiety often involves over-activation in certain brain regions. QEEG mapping helps identify these patterns, allowing targeted intervention through neuromodulation or neurofeedback.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder — QEEG can identify patterns associated with OCD, guiding treatment planning for neuromodulation interventions.
- Traumatic Brain Injury — QEEG provides objective assessment of brain function following head injury, identifying areas of dysfunction that may benefit from targeted intervention.
- Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia — QEEG patterns can support diagnostic assessment and guide treatment planning for neurodegenerative conditions.
Important Information
QEEG is a functional assessment tool that provides information about brain activity patterns. It is not a stand-alone diagnostic test and does not replace clinical assessment by qualified professionals. QEEG does not detect structural abnormalities such as tumours or lesions—for these concerns, neuroimaging (MRI/CT) is required.
Our QEEG assessments are conducted by trained technicians and interpreted in collaboration with consultant neurologists. The findings are integrated with clinical history, behavioural observations, and standardised psychological assessments to form a complete picture of your neuropsychological functioning.
Assessment Fees
Initial QEEG Brain Mapping: £900
Includes recording, analysis, detailed report, and consultation to discuss findings.
Interim QEEG Assessment: £600
Progress monitoring during treatment programmes.
Fees are payable at the time of booking. Please contact us for current pricing.
Book Your QEEG Assessment
Discover what's happening in your brain. Our QEEG assessment provides the foundation for targeted, effective treatment.