Everything You Need to Know About qEEG Assessments for Neurofeedback

As discussed in our article on the various types of neurofeedback, the quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) is an essential first step in any rigorous training program. This assessment helps identify the type of brainwaves and the brain regions to be trained, based on the individual’s goals. It allows for the creation of a precise brain map and a fully personalized protocol. It also serves as a point of comparison across different training phases. But what exactly does this initial evaluation entail? Let’s dive in with five key points.

1. The Evaluation: The Initial Interview

An Individualized Approach

There are several ways to approach neurofeedback, but as clinicians, we prioritize providing holistic care to each individual. This begins with ensuring that the professional offering neurofeedback is properly trained and capable of integrating all relevant information shared by the client.

The Intake Interview

At NeuroLogic, the process always starts with an in-depth interview to better understand the client’s context, including the challenges they face and how these manifest in daily life. The clinician gathers important details such as prior assessments (e.g., neuropsychological, speech therapy, psychomotor evaluations) and existing treatments (e.g., medications, therapy) to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Setting Goals for Neurofeedback Training

Next, the individual (or their family, in the case of children) defines specific training goals. Are they aiming to improve learning abilities, attention span, emotional regulation, or behavioral self-control?

The clinician plays a crucial role in guiding this discussion. For example, someone struggling with attention might understandably want to address that first. However, if that person also experiences high anxiety, focusing on attention right away could inadvertently worsen intrusive thoughts or rumination. Addressing emotional regulation first might be more effective, as reducing anxiety and its symptoms often improves attention as a secondary benefit.

Psychoeducation about foundational processes and higher-level brain functions is also provided, helping individuals define specific goals while benefiting from the clinician’s expertise.

Explaining the Role of Neurofeedback

At this stage, the clinician explains how neurofeedback works and how it can improve quality of life as part of a multidisciplinary care plan. Neurofeedback is unique because it addresses the brain’s core functioning, going beyond the surface-level impact of many other interventions.

For example, in cases of dyslexia, neurofeedback doesn’t teach reading directly but helps unlock the brain’s potential to optimize learning strategies. It trains the brain to improve:

• Visual information processing

• Connections between visual stimuli (graphemes)

• Language processing (phonemes)

This optimization creates the resources needed for reading acquisition. Incorporating “transfer tasks” (activities performed during neurofeedback sessions) further supports these gains, allowing progress to generalize beyond the training context.

2. qEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalogram) Assessment

A qEEG measures the brain’s electrical activity, offering insights into neurophysiological functioning. This non-invasive, painless procedure involves placing electrodes (referred to as “sensors”) on the scalp to record brain activity. Typically, 19 sensors are used.

The Process

During the assessment, the individual relaxes in a state of “resting calm” for about 10 minutes while their brain activity is recorded. It’s crucial to ensure the person is comfortable with the process, which can be explained using simple metaphors. For instance, the sensors are like a doctor’s stethoscope—but for the brain. They don’t read thoughts but instead measure how the brain works: Are some regions too active or not active enough? Are they communicating effectively with one another?

What Brain Activity Tells Us

Brain activity is classified by wave frequency, measured in cycles per second (Hertz, Hz), and divided into categories: Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma waves. Each wave corresponds to specific brain functions, and their patterns reveal how the brain operates.

The recorded data is then processed to generate a brain map, which helps establish a tailored training protocol to meet the individual’s previously defined goals.

3. Data Analysis and Interpretation

The qEEG analysis focuses on understanding brain function and identifying potential areas for improvement. However, it’s essential to clarify that qEEG assessments in neurofeedback are not diagnostic. Instead, they quantify brain activity, analyzing:

• Absolute power: The amount of activity in each frequency band

• Relative power: The activity levels relative to other frequencies

• Connectivity: How well different brain regions communicate

Individual Mapping

The first step is examining the individual’s unique brain activity. No two brains are alike, so understanding the specific patterns of the person being assessed is crucial.

Comparison to Normative Databases

The second step involves comparing the results to a normative database, which considers age and neurodevelopmental differences. This helps determine whether the brain activity patterns are typical or deviate significantly.

For example, just as IQ scores show a range of normal variability, brain activity also falls within a spectrum of normal, abnormal, and “supra-normal” (enhanced) functioning. Understanding these variations helps link brain anomalies to cognitive, emotional, behavioral, or physiological challenges.

Leveraging Scientific Research

The final brain map is informed by a robust body of scientific literature, enabling the development of a personalized protocol and offering insights into training outcomes.

4. Developing the Training Protocol

Defining a neurofeedback protocol is a nuanced process that goes beyond simply targeting anomalies. It integrates:

• The client’s symptoms and goals

• Individual and normative qEEG results

• Scientific research

• The clinician’s expertise

This careful balancing of information ensures that the protocol is tailored to the individual’s needs. It specifies the brain regions to target, training strategies, and the estimated number of sessions.

5. Training and Follow-Up Assessments

If neurofeedback is deemed appropriate and the individual agrees to proceed, training begins. A typical training program involves 2–3 protocols, each with specific goals and strategies, spanning approximately 10–15 sessions per protocol.

At the end of each protocol, another qEEG evaluation is conducted to track progress. This follow-up helps refine subsequent protocols and align them with the client’s evolving goals. A final assessment concludes the training, with an optional follow-up evaluation 6–12 months later to confirm sustained progress.

What’s Next?

Now that you understand the importance of qEEG in designing effective neurofeedback protocols, stay tuned for our upcoming articles on brainwaves, typical training sessions, and ADHD.

If neurofeedback interests you, explore the many nuances of this applied neuroscience technique on our website or reach out to us at contact@neurologic.academy. We’re always happy to hear from you!