What Is a QEEG Brain Map? A Beginner’s Guide to Brain Mapping in NYC

If you have been trying to find QEEG brain mapping in NYC, there is probably one term that you have found confusing: QEEG brain map. QEEG, which stands for quantitative electroencephalogram, is essentially a test used to measure electrical activity in the brain. The result obtained from it could give a physician more details about various brainwave patterns.

The doctors from NY Psychology & Neurofeedback make use of QEEG brain mapping as one of the most important parts of their unique neurofeedback therapy. They do not believe that one protocol works for all patients, and with the data received from the brain map, they are able to create a customized treatment plan for each patient individually.

So What Is a QEEG Brain Map?

To start with a QEEG brain map, an EEG is taken first. For that purpose, special sensors are attached to the patient’s head to monitor brain activity.

The information gathered is then analyzed using quantitative method. The thing is that, instead of seeing just one moment of brain activity, QEEG makes it possible to analyze the patterns of various brain areas.

It is like creating a personal activity map of the brain. This map will not diagnose your condition on its own but will provide additional information to be interpreted by a professional together with your symptoms, background, objectives, etc.

NY Psychology & Neurofeedback explains that their brain map is an evaluation of active and resting states of the brain that can be used for developing a psychological and neurological treatment plan.

Why is QEEG Conducted Before Neurofeedback NYC Therapy?

The most common question that arises when one starts considering neurofeedback NYC therapy is “How do I know what type of neurofeedback I need?”

This is when assessment is crucial.

Neurofeedback is not necessarily a universal process. One can seek help with many different concerns such as difficulty concentrating, anxiety, sleep issues, emotional troubles, etc. At the same time, brain activity patterns might also be quite different.

A QEEG will allow obtaining additional information to help a professional choose the best protocol for you.

According to NY Psychology & Neurofeedback, their procedure is conducted in three general stages: assess, plan, and treat. QEEG brain map is a part of the assessing process and information obtained from it allows developing a personalized neurofeedback protocol.

What Occurs During QEEG Brain Mapping?

If you have never had a QEEG, the process might seem more confusing than it really is.

Electrodes used during an EEG are used to measure brainwaves, not to "read your thoughts," nor is the test aimed at collecting any other kind of data.

NY Psychology & Neurofeedback lists a 90-minute QEEG diagnostic brain mapping and analysis consultation, and a second follow-up appointment in two weeks' time for QEEG result review.

Following the preparatory advice of your provider prior to the procedure is important. NY Psychology & Neurofeedback advises on completing all the necessary forms and resting well before coming in for your appointment.

What Will a QEEG Brain Map Tell You?

Information about the patterns of brain activity at various frequencies and areas might be collected through a QEEG. The usefulness of this information will depend on its being interpreted properly by a professional.

For instance, a person may be struggling with concentration problems, insomnia, mental fatigue. But there is no way to determine what patterns might be important to look for based only on those experiences.

It is essential to understand that QEEG testing cannot be viewed as an independent diagnostic procedure. Brain mapping is just one element within the entire picture.

QEEG Brain Mapping and Customized Neurofeedback

The term customized is very important in regards to neurofeedback treatment.

At NY Psychology & Neurofeedback, the data collected through QEEG is used to create a protocol based on the client's individual brain activity and goals of treatment. During neurofeedback sessions, the patient wears a special hat that measures brainwave activity in interaction with the computer-based software program providing immediate feedback. The progress is monitored through the whole process.

This approach allows making the treatment process more personalized. Instead of the question "What treatment do you give to everyone?", the question can be "What does your individual assessment show and what are your goals?"

Who May Need QEEG Brain Mapping?

Individuals looking for QEEG brain mapping near me have various purposes for choosing this type of therapy.

NY Psychology & Neurofeedback treats children, adults, and elderly patients and offers help with such issues as ADHD, anxiety and panic disorders, depression, insomnia and sleep disorders, migraines, learning problems, OCD, TBI, etc.

This does not mean that QEEG or neurofeedback should be used with everyone suffering from these issues. Rather, an evaluation by a professional is required to determine whether this type of assessment or treatment is suitable in this case.

What Are the Benefits of QEEG Provider in NYC?

The choice of a provider cannot be reduced only to searching for "QEEG brain mapping NYC."

It is important to ensure that the provider has necessary professional qualifications and experience in interpreting the QEEG and using neurofeedback. Also, you will need to understand how the provider will use the results of the assessment.

Dr. Merlyn Hurd, PhD | QEEG-D, is a licensed psychologist with more than 40 years of clinical experience. Professional specialization includes psychology, biofeedback, neurotherapy, and QEEG-D analysis. This practice is situated in NYC Flatiron District and also offers Long Island location.

Frequently Asked Questions About QEEG Brain Mapping

Is QEEG brain map the same as MRI?

No. While MRI gives detailed visualization of physical structure of the brain, QEEG records and analyzes its electrical activity.

Does a QEEG brain map diagnose a mental health disorder?

QEEG brain maps are not used alone as a diagnosis of a psychological or psychiatric condition. The data collected from the QEEG test needs to be properly interpreted by a professional in conjunction with symptoms and medical history.

Is QEEG brain mapping done together with neurofeedback?

Yes, QEEG brain mapping is done together with neurofeedback therapy since it provides useful information that can customize the treatment protocol.

How long does it take for a QEEG appointment?

According to NY Psychology & Neurofeedback, at the moment, the company offers QEEG brain map appointments that last for 90 minutes, and then a separate QEEG brain map review is also offered.

How do I find QEEG brain mapping near me?

When searching for QEEG brain mapping near me, it is advisable to look for someone who has adequate QEEG training and is a licensed professional who can interpret brain maps.

Conclusion

When undergoing neurofeedback, the use of QEEG brain mapping makes the process much more than just a guesswork by providing additional data about one’s brain activity for a

clinician to develop a personalized program.

For anyone trying to learn more about neurofeedback therapy or QEEG brain mapping, it is vital to understand the process of assessment involved.

At NY Psychology & Neurofeedback, Dr. Merlyn Hurd uses the process of QEEG assessment along with other factors when offering a personalized program that involves neurofeedback therapy for patients.

The right way to start your journey with either QEEG or neurofeedback therapy is to consult a professional who will tell you what this assessment will and will not tell you about your condition.