What are Brain Waves?

Brain waves are electrical signals produced by the brain. They are measured by counting the peaks in one second. Slow brain waves are associated with less activity like drowsiness or sleep. Faster brain waves are produced with higher activity such as being alert or anxious. The following are brainwave frequency patterns and their associated states.

Why is a Brain Map Important?

Before starting neurofeedback, it is important to first obtain a brain map or qEEG (quantitative electro-encephalogram). This is a tool that allows the neurofeedback practitioner to measure the brain waves across many areas of the brain. This information is solely used to find the locations on the head that may benefit from the neurofeedback sessions. It is not intended for diagnosing or treating any medical disorders.

When selecting a practitioner make sure you select one that is certified by the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) to ensure that they are properly trained and adhere to the highest ethical standards. It is also important to find out if the practitioner is providing a full 19 channel brain map and not a “MiniQ” or a single channel brainwave assessment prior to starting neurofeedback. “Brain mapping” is a commonly used term, which not every practitioner defines the same. In the 25 years I’ve been a neurofeedback practitioner, I have tried many initial assessment methods out there and nothing compares to the full 19 channel brain map. This will maximize the effectiveness of the neurofeedback sessions.

In a full 19 channel brain map, 19 sites are measured on the head using special sensors on a cap. The practitioner analyzes the brain waves with special software to create color images, which is known as a brain map. For more information on neurofeedback, see our neurofeedback page.

Here are the brain waves before they are analyzed. This two second sample shows excessive alpha waves in the front part of the brain where beta waves should be dominant. This person has difficulty concentrating.

The brain map image below shows similar excessive slow waves in the theta (daydreaming) range (seen in red) in the same part of the brain, while the green indicates normal areas. Excessive theta waves in this area affects concentration.

This map below shows too much beta (concentration) in the back of the head where calming waves should be. This person has racing thoughts and has trouble falling asleep. The qEEG also revealed elevated delta waves in the left frontal area of the brain, which is associated with pessimistic thoughts.

Different brainwave patterns can create similar states, it is important to use the brain map to pinpointing the source of brainwave imbalances to determine the exact areas that need to be trained. This maximizes the effectiveness of the neurofeedback sessions.