QEEG Brain Mapping¶
Your QEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalography) brain map is the foundation of your personalized neurofeedback training. This section explains what a brain map is, how to prepare, and what to expect.
QEEG Guides¶
📋 Preparing for Your Brain Map¶
What to do (and avoid) before your QEEG session.
Preparation checklist: - Wash hair, no heavy products - No caffeine 18hrs before (or after 4pm day before) - Hold stimulant medications 48hrs if medically safe - Hold other medications/supplements if medically safe - Avoid mushroom supplements 24hrs before - Don't train the day before - No intense exercise morning-of - What to wear, what to bring
🧪 What to Expect: QEEG Session¶
Step-by-step walkthrough of a QEEG recording session.
Session overview: - Cap fitting and electrode preparation - Eyes-closed recording (10 min) - Eyes-open recording (10 min) - IVA or CPT test (optional) - Total time: 60-90 minutes
📊 Understanding Your Results¶
How to read and interpret your brain map results.
Topics covered: - What the colors mean - Z-scores explained - Endophenotypes and patterns - How we use QEEG to select protocols - Follow-up brain maps
What is a QEEG?¶
The Basics¶
QEEG stands for Quantitative Electroencephalography—a "brain map."
What it measures: - Electrical activity of your brain - Recorded from 19-21 sensors across your scalp - Compared to a normative database of thousands of healthy brains - Highlights patterns and deviations
Why we do it: - Identify your brain's baseline patterns - Guide personalized protocol selection - Track progress over time - Understand phenotypes related to your symptoms/goals
QEEG vs. EEG¶
| QEEG | Clinical EEG |
|---|---|
| Quantitative analysis | Qualitative review |
| Compared to norms | Checks for abnormalities |
| Guides neurofeedback | Diagnoses seizures/epilepsy |
| Color-coded brain maps | Raw waveform review |
QEEG is NOT a medical diagnostic tool. It's an assessment to guide neurofeedback training.
When You'll Get Brain Maps¶
Initial QEEG¶
Before starting training - Your baseline brain map
Purpose: - Understand your brain's patterns - Identify training targets - Create initial protocol recommendations - Establish baseline for comparison
Follow-up QEEGs¶
| Timing | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Session 15-20 | Check early progress (~1 month of training) |
| Session 30-40 | Mid-program assessment (~2 months) |
| Annual | Long-term maintenance check |
| After long break | Re-establish baseline before resuming |
Typical progress: Up to 1 standard deviation change at the 20-session mark is common!
QEEG Conditions¶
Eyes Closed¶
10 minutes with eyes closed, relaxed but awake
What we see: - Resting state networks - Alpha rhythm (increases with eyes closed) - Default mode network - Baseline arousal levels
Eyes Open¶
10 minutes with eyes open, looking at a fixed point
What we see: - Active attention networks - How your brain responds to external focus - Comparison to eyes-closed state - Processing efficiency
Task-Based (Optional)¶
CPT or IVA-2 test - continuous performance task
What it measures: - Attention and impulse control - Response time and accuracy - Brain state during cognitive challenge - ADHD indicators
Understanding Z-Scores¶
What is a Z-Score?¶
A Z-score tells us how many standard deviations your brain activity is from the average.
| Z-Score | Meaning | Color (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Exactly average | Green |
| +1 to +2 | Slightly above average | Yellow/Orange |
| +2 or higher | Significantly elevated | Red |
| -1 to -2 | Slightly below average | Light Blue |
| -2 or lower | Significantly reduced | Dark Blue |
Important: "Abnormal" doesn't mean "bad"—it just means different from the average. Many successful people have unusual brain patterns!
What We Look For¶
- Patterns across multiple sites
- Endophenotypes (stable trait patterns)
- Phenotypes (Dr. Hill's 12 brain pattern types)
- Asymmetries (left vs. right differences)
- Coherence (how well regions communicate)
Your brain map is unique—like a fingerprint.
QEEG Phenotypes¶
Dr. Hill has identified 12 common neurodivergent brain patterns described in his book Gifted & Tortured.
Examples: - High frontal alpha (daydreamy, creative) - Frontal theta excess (ADHD-like, distracted) - High beta patterns (anxious, ruminative) - Alpha asymmetry (mood/emotional patterns) - Low SMR (regulation challenges)
Your QEEG Review with Dr. Hill will explain your specific patterns.
Remote vs. In-Office QEEG¶
In-Office¶
- Come to a Peak Brain location
- Coach fits cap and runs recording
- Immediate review of data quality
- Cost: Included in program or à la carte
Remote (At-Home)¶
- QEEG equipment shipped to you
- You fit cap yourself (we guide via Zoom)
- Upload data to Dropbox
- Return equipment via FedEx
- Cost: Includes rental/shipping fees
Both methods produce equivalent quality data when done correctly.
QEEG Review Session¶
After your brain map, you'll have a QEEG Review with Dr. Hill via Zoom.
What happens: 1. Dr. Hill reviews your brain map with you 2. Explains patterns and phenotypes 3. Relates findings to your goals/symptoms 4. Recommends initial protocols 5. Answers your questions
Duration: 30-45 minutes
When: Scheduled 48+ hours after QEEG recording (allows time for processing)
Preparation: Have your questions ready!
Preparing for Success¶
Before Your QEEG¶
✅ DO: - Wash your hair (no products) - Get normal sleep - Relax—it's painless!
✅ CONSIDER (if possible): - Hold prescription stimulant medications 48 hours before (if medically safe) - Hold other medications/supplements if medically safe to do so
❌ DON'T: - Caffeine 18hrs before (or after 4pm the day before) - Train neurofeedback the day before - Use heavy hair products - Take mushroom supplements 24hrs before - Sauna/steam room day-of (OK other days) - Intense exercise the morning of QEEG
See: Preparation Guide for full checklist
During Your QEEG¶
- Stay as still as possible (unlike neurofeedback training)
- Relax your jaw and face
- Breathe normally
- Stay awake (even with eyes closed)
- No fidgeting during recording
After Your QEEG¶
- You can resume normal activities immediately
- Wait for your QEEG Review before interpreting results
- If doing remote QEEG, clean and return equipment promptly
Common Questions¶
Does the QEEG diagnose anything?¶
No. QEEG is an assessment tool for neurofeedback, not a medical diagnostic test. It identifies patterns that guide training.
Is it safe?¶
Completely. QEEG only measures electrical activity—nothing is put into your brain. It's similar to an EKG for the heart.
What if I fall asleep during eyes-closed?¶
We'll notice in the data and may need to redo that segment. Try to stay awake (thinking about something helps).
How accurate is it?¶
Very accurate when done correctly. Peak Brain uses research-grade equipment and follows IQCB (International QEEG Certification Board) standards.
Do I need a new brain map every time?¶
No. Initial QEEG before training, then follow-ups every 20-40 sessions or annually for long-term training.
What if my results are "abnormal"?¶
Remember: Different ≠ bad. Many neurodivergent traits are associated with creativity, intelligence, and unique strengths. We're looking for patterns to optimize, not pathology.
Next Steps¶
Before Your QEEG¶
- Review Preparation Guide
- Understand What to Expect
- Schedule your QEEG Review with Dr. Hill
After Your QEEG¶
- Attend your QEEG Review session
- Review Understanding Results
- Begin your personalized neurofeedback training
Learning More¶
Questions about your upcoming QEEG? Contact your coach or location directly.