qEEG (Initial Brain Map)
Quantitative EEG (qEEG) is a 19-channel scalp recording that captures your brain's electrical rhythms — alpha, beta, theta, delta, and gamma — across precise cortical regions. The output is a quantified topographic map that compares your activity to a normative database, surfacing the specific oscillation patterns linked to depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and treatment-resistant mood disorders.
Most psychiatric medications are prescribed by trial-and-error. qEEG removes some of that guesswork. The mapping data tells our psychiatric team which neural circuits are over- or under-active, which directly informs neurofeedback protocol design, TMS coil placement, and selection between SSRI/SNRI/atypical agents during precision psychopharmacology.
The clinical value of a qEEG is what it lets us do next. The map drives an individualized neurofeedback plan, identifies the optimal target for transcranial magnetic stimulation, and provides an objective baseline we can re-test after 4 and 12 weeks of treatment to measure neurological — not just symptomatic — improvement.
qEEG brain mapping questions, answered
What is a qEEG brain mapping scan?
A quantitative EEG (qEEG) is a 19-channel scalp recording that captures your brain's electrical rhythms — alpha, beta, theta, delta, and gamma — across precise cortical regions. The output is a topographic map compared to a normative database, surfacing oscillation patterns linked to depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and treatment-resistant mood disorders.
How is qEEG different from a regular EEG, MRI, or PET scan?
A standard clinical EEG is read qualitatively by a neurologist looking for seizure activity. A qEEG quantifies the same electrical signal across frequency bands and brain regions, producing comparative data. Unlike MRI (structural) or PET (metabolic), qEEG measures real-time neural function — the dimension most relevant to psychiatric symptoms.
How long does a qEEG session take?
The recording itself takes about 20 minutes — eyes-closed and eyes-open conditions, sometimes with cognitive task baselines. Setup (cap fitting, conductive gel, impedance check) adds another 15 to 20 minutes. The full appointment runs 45 to 60 minutes. Results are reviewed at a follow-up session with your psychiatrist.
Does insurance cover qEEG brain mapping?
qEEG coverage varies by carrier and indication. When billed under a psychiatric or neurological diagnosis to evaluate medication response, treatment planning, or pre-TMS workup, many plans (including BlueCross, Aetna, and Cigna) reimburse partial or full cost. Our admissions team verifies benefits before the scan.
How does RECO Immersive use qEEG findings clinically?
The map directly drives three decisions: (1) individualized neurofeedback protocol — which frequency bands to up- or down-train; (2) TMS coil placement — finding the patient-specific dorsolateral prefrontal target rather than the standard 5cm rule; (3) precision pharmacology — choosing among SSRI, SNRI, or atypical antipsychotic agents based on observed cortical activity patterns.
Is qEEG safe? Are there any risks?
qEEG is completely non-invasive and risk-free. The scalp electrodes only record electrical activity — they do not deliver any current, magnetic field, or substance to the brain. The most common minor inconvenience is washing conductive gel from your hair afterward.
