qEEG brain mapping: a look at how the brain is working
An MRI shows what the brain looks like. A quantitative EEG shows what it’s doing. We record the brain’s electrical rhythms at 19 sites, compare them with people the same age, and turn the result into a map you can read.
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What a qEEG measures
Brain cells communicate with tiny electrical signals. When large groups of cells fire together they produce rhythms, usually called brainwaves, that can be picked up at the scalp. Each rhythm is associated with a different state.
A qEEG measures how much of each rhythm is present at each site and how well different regions are working in step. The software then compares your recording with a reference database and colors the map to show where you sit above or below the typical range.
- Delta1 to 4 Hz
The slowest rhythm. Dominant in deep sleep.
- Theta4 to 8 Hz
Drowsiness and daydreaming. Too much while awake can go with inattention.
- Alpha8 to 12 Hz
Calm, relaxed wakefulness, strongest with eyes closed.
- Beta13 to 30 Hz
Active thinking and focus. Too much can go with tension and worry.
- GammaAbove 30 Hz
The fastest rhythm, tied to quick processing across brain regions.
What it can and can’t tell you
A qEEG is a measurement, not a diagnosis. It can’t tell you whether someone is autistic or has ADHD, depression or OCD. Those are clinical diagnoses made from history and behavior.
We record on a Deymed TruScan EEG system, with sensors at the 19 standard sites.
What it does well is show how a particular brain is functioning: which regions are running slow or fast, and which aren’t coordinating. That lets us plan treatment around the person and gives us a baseline to measure against. If a recording shows anything that should be looked at by a neurologist, we tell you and refer you.
What happens at the appointment
Before you come
Wash and dry your hair, and skip gels, sprays and conditioners that day. Eat normally and take your usual medications unless we’ve told you otherwise.
Fitting the cap
We place a soft cap with 19 sensors on the head and add a little conductive gel under each one. Nothing goes into the brain. The cap only listens.
Recording
You sit quietly with your eyes closed, then open, while we record. For children who find that hard, we go at their pace, with breaks and a parent close by.
Your results
Our clinical team reads the map and goes through it with you in plain language before any treatment is recommended. You leave with a written report.
How the map guides treatment
If treatment makes sense, the map shapes it: where we place the TMS coil, which settings we use and what we expect to change. We repeat the recording during care and put the two maps side by side, so progress is something you can see.
A map can also tell us that TMS isn’t the right next step. When that happens, we say so.
Last updated October 2026.
Common questions
Does a qEEG hurt?
No. The sensors only record. There are no needles, no electrical stimulation and no radiation. The gel washes out with shampoo.
Can a qEEG diagnose autism or ADHD?
No. Those are clinical diagnoses. A qEEG shows patterns of brain activity that help us plan and track care. It doesn’t confirm or rule out a diagnosis.
How long does it take?
Plan on less than an hour. Most of that time is spent fitting the cap. The recording itself is short.
How is a qEEG different from a regular EEG?
The recording is the same. A neurologist reads a regular EEG by eye, mainly to look for seizures. A qEEG adds computer analysis that measures each rhythm and compares it with a reference database, which produces the color maps.
Is qEEG covered by insurance?
It depends on your plan and the reason for the test. We verify your benefits before your appointment and tell you the cost up front. We work with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna and Aetna.
Do I need a brain map if I only want TMS for depression?
At Reign-Bow, yes. Every TMS plan here begins with a qEEG. It’s how we choose settings and how we check that treatment is doing what we expect.
Call our office
We’ll answer your questions, check your insurance benefits and help you decide whether a brain map is the right next step. Our team answers the phone during clinic hours.
Prefer to write? Request a consultation or verify your insurance.