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EEG Electroencephalogram

QEEG Quantitative (or Quantified) Electroencephalogram

a.k.a., brain-mapping or topographic EEG analysis, it is computer-based processing of EEG data obtained from electrodes attached to the scalp

Advantages of QEEG More objective assessment of EEG alterations is possible, which can be interpreted more easily by those who are not specifically trained in reading conventional data. Uninterrupted monitoring of instantaneous information about the changes in neurophysiological function is pos-sible. Attributes of brain function that cannot be seen in the raw EEG signal may be observed.

Application of QEEG Researchers have demonstrated that specific deficits were related to left and right hemispheric dysfunction as measured by electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis.

Quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) and topographical brain mapping have been suc-cessful in demonstrating localization and verification in studies concerning right and left cere-bral hemispheric dysfunction.

The strength of QEEG as a measurement tool is established when utilizing an ideographic basis to make within-patient comparisons across homotypic brain regions (e.g., left frontal leads F1, F3, and F7, with right frontal leads F2, F4, and F8.

The QEEG is an effective and flexible neuropsychological assessment tool.

Types of Analysis ❖ Interhemispheric comparison (left versus right hemisphere sites) ❖ Within-subject statistical approach (patient serves as own control) ❖ Comparison of patient to normative database ❖ Comparison of specific sites (i.e., F8 & T4) based on current brain-behavior relationship theories

EEG Bandwidths The EEG (electroencephalograph) measures brainwaves of different frequencies within the brain. Electrodes are placed on specific sites on the scalp to detect and record the electrical impulses within the brain.

Frequency is the number of times a wave repeats itself within a second. It can be compared to the frequen-cies that you tune into on your radio. If any of these frequencies are deficient, excessive, or difficult to access, mental performance can suffer.

Amplitude represents the power of electrical impulses generated by brain. Bandwidths 2

The raw EEG has usually been described in terms of five frequency bands: DELTA (less than 4 Hz), THETA (4-8 Hz), ALPHA (8-13 Hz) and BETA (13-20 Hz).

Delta (<4 Hz) The lowest frequencies are delta. These are less than 4 Hz and occur in deep sleep and in some abnormal processes. It is the dominant rhythm in infants up to one year of age and it is present in stages 3 and 4 of sleep. It tends to be the highest in amplitude and the slowest waves.

Peak performers decrease Delta waves when high focus and peak performance are required. However, many individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder increase rather than decrease Delta activity when trying to focus. The inappropriate Delta response often severely restricts the ability to focus and maintain attention.

Subjective feeling states: Deep, dreamless (non-REM) sleep, trance, unconscious

Associated tasks & behaviors: Lethargic, not moving, not attentive

Effects of training: Increasing delta can induce drowsiness, trance, deeply relaxed states. Decreasing delta is asso-ciated with increased alertness.

Theta (4-8 Hz) Theta activity is classed as "slow" activity. Theta brainwaves occur at two levels. The lower range of theta (4-6 Hz) represents the twilight zone between waking and sleep. It is a pro-foundly calm, serene state. In this range, conscious intellectual activity is not occurring. The higher range of theta (6-8 Hz), when it is frontal-midline, signifies that the brain is engaged in complex, focused problem solving, such as mental arithmetic. It is also seen in connection with creativity and daydreaming. Theta waves are strong during internal focus or meditation.

It is abnormal to see widespread theta in awake, alert adults, but it is normally seen in children up to 13 years old. When the theta rhythm appears to function normally it mediates and/or promotes adaptive, complex behaviors such as learning and memory.

Subjective feeling states: Creative, recall, fantasy, imagery, drowsy.

Associated tasks & behaviors: Creative, intuitive; but may also be distracted, unfocused. Effects of Training: If enhanced, can induce drifting, trance-like state. If suppressed, can improve concentration, ability to focus attention

Alpha (8-12 Hz) Alpha waves tend to peak around 10Hz. Healthy alpha production promotes mental resource-fulness, aids in the ability to mentally coordinate, and enhances overall sense of relaxation. In this state you can move quickly and efficiently to accomplish whatever task is at hand. When Alpha predominates most people feel at ease and calm. Alpha waves represent the stage when the brain is shifting into idling gear, relaxed and disengaged, waiting to respond when needed. It is considered to be "potential" activity of cortical areas.

It is the major rhythm seen in normal relaxed adults - it is present during most of life especially beyond the thirteenth year when it dominates the resting tracing.

Alpha is a common state for the brain and occurs whenever a person is alert, but not actively processing information. You can increase alpha by closing your eyes or deep breathing or decrease alpha by thinking or calculating.

Alpha-Theta training can create an increase in sensation and abstract thinking.

Subjective feeling states: Relaxed, not agitated, not drowsy, tranquil.

Associated tasks & behaviors: Meditation, no action

Effects of Training: Can produce relaxation, inner-awareness of self, mind/body integration, balance, centering.

Beta (12-35 Hz) Activity is 'fast' activity. It is low amplitude, high frequency activity associated with a state of mental, intellectual, focused attention or concentration. It is an active processing state. It is usually seen in symmetrical distribution and is most evident frontally. It may be absent or reduced in areas of cortical damage.

It is generally regarded as a normal rhythm and is the dominant rhythm in those who are alert or anxious or who have their eyes open. However, high beta during relaxed states often signifies difficulties with excessive anxiety or obsessions.

It is the state that most of brain is in when we have our eyes open and are listening and thinking during analytical problem solving, judgment, decision making, processing information about the world around us.