The Tarnow Center - psychiatry, psychology, speech and language, education, vocational work and counseling

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

QEEG FAQ


How do I prepare myself or child for a QEEG?

In order to get "clean" data, the patient must adhere to the following steps:

  • Wash your hair THREE TIMES on the night before or the morning of the QEEG
  • Use Neutrogena Anti-residue Shampoo
  • Do not use shampoo with a conditioner
  • Do not use a conditioner or cream rinse

Do not drink coffee, or any caffeine products within three hours of your appointment

Do not take any stimulant medication before your appointment

You may want to bring a cover (hat or scarf) to hide your messy hair afterwards

How long does a QEEG take?

Normally, a QEEG takes 50 minutes if:

  • the preparation instructions are followed if you are cooperative in the process

What is the QEEG procedure?

  1. You will be seated in a recliner
  2. Head measurements are taken
  3. The locations on forehead are marked and abraded prior to putting on the electrodes
  4. The back of the ears are also abraded and ear clips are placed
  5. The QEEG cap will be placed on your head
  6. Through the 20 sites in the cap, a gel is injected using a blunted (no point) needle
  7. The clinician works to assure a good contact at each of the sites prior to the procedure
  8. Data is collected for 6 minutes from each of the following
    1. Eyes closed
    2. Eyes open
    3. Reading or math exercise
    4. Eyes closed

Then, the cap, electrodes and ear clips are removed and the procedure is over

Will it hurt?

No! The QEEG does not involve any needles or electrical shocks. Some patients may experience a little discomfort from the cap.

What is done with the data?

The QEEG data is than encrypted so that it can be confidentially emailed to Dr. Jonathan Walker at the Neurotherapy Center of Dallas.

Dr. Walker graduated from Baylor College of Medicine in 1960 and finished a residency in Neurology in 1965. He is board certified in neurology and electroencephalography and is President of the American Board of QEEG Technology. Dr.Walker has been doing research in QEEG and neurofeedback for over ten years.

    Dr. Walker will:
  • Read and interpret the raw EEG
  • Then the data is compared to other like individuals in a database.
  • This information is used to generate a report to include
    • Raw EEG Report
    • Computerized EEG Report
    • QEEG Report including discriminate results and brain maps
    • Recommend neurofeedback training protocols (35 sessions) based on findings
    • Email the report back to The Tarnow Center

Will someone explain what was found?

The Tarnow Center will call to set up a follow-up evaluation with the clinician who did the QEEG. The clinician will explain the report and discuss recommendations.

Will this information be used for research?

The Tarnow Center for Self-Management would like to have the opportunity to develop research in the future. If you would like to participate in this research, you will be asked to sign a release. Only your results, age and gender will be disclosed.