MAPPING OF BRAIN ACTIVITY BY QUANTITATIVE EEG
General overview
Quantitative EEG, or quantitative electroencephalography, is the measurement of an individual's brain activity in quantitative (numerical) terms and its representation in the form of a brain map.
Source: compilation of YouTube videos ( fair use ) - if you want to remove content contact us at contact@leneurogroupe.org
Main objectives of the method
The objective of the quantitative EEG is to compare the patient's activity to that of a normative basis. If the brain functions at too high or too low a frequency in relation to its activity, it cannot perform this task properly.
Thanks to the quantitative EEG, it then becomes easy to detect activity abnormalities in certain parts of the brain, in order to better understand the origin of the child's disorders, and possibly to propose an action plan to improve brain activity (for example with "neurofeedback").
One can also evaluate the results (of a neurofeedback treatment or other protocol set up) by performing a new quantitative EEG and thus measure the evolutions allowed by the treatment.
Example of a brain map by qEEG:
Specificities of the method
Brain activity is measured using electrodes placed on a lycra cap that looks like a bathing cap. Obviously, there is no pain to fear, the cap only collects the brain activity while the patient is put in certain specific situations. The test usually lasts about 20 minutes, but it can also be carried out over longer periods of time, up to 24 hours. Brain mapping can then be obtained. Sometimes several EEGs are required to detect abnormalities.
This method is generally used as a prerequisite for neurofeedback treatment to correct atypical brain activity or simply as a diagnostic tool to better understand the origin of the clinical disorders encountered.
Who is this method for ?
The method is particularly indicated for children suffering from epilepsy, ADHD, neurodevelopmental disorders, depression, or specific learning problems.
There are no contraindications to an EEG, but for some epileptic patients, the examination will be modulated if an epileptic seizure begins. It can also be stressful, which is why the child should be reassured.
Scientific references
Contribution of the EEG in the diagnosis and follow-up of epilepsy in children
https://www.jle.com/fr/revues/mtp/e-docs/apport_de_leeg_dans_le_diagnostic_et_le_suivi_des_epilepsies_de_lenfant_272740/article.phtml
"In the field of epilepsy, provided it is always interpreted in conjunction with all the clinical data, the EEG contributes to the positive, differential, syndromic and sometimes etiological diagnosis. Despite the development of neurological imaging techniques, the EEG remains the first and most useful examination for the management of patients with epilepsy. Technological advances and computerisation have strengthened this tool over the last ten years. »
Indications for electroencephalography in the neonatal period: Recommendations of the clinical neurophysiology group for children.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0929693X04001174
"The electroencephalogram (EEG) is an easy, reproducible, atraumatic means of brain exploration and has a relevant and early diagnostic and predictive interest in the newborn. In the newborn at term, if there are abnormal clinical signs, the EEG aspect may evoke a particular etiology. The organization of background activity and sleep, and the characteristics of the seizures are of prognostic interest. Prolonged recording coupled with video allows the identification of seizures, convulsive or not, and to differentiate them from paroxysmal non epileptic manifestations. »
EEG Power Spectrum Analysis in Children with ADHD
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4973024/
"Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a pathological disorder that is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated differences in electroencephalographic (EEG) power between children with ADHD and healthy control children. »
"The powers of the different EEG bands were significantly higher in the frontal region of the brain of those in the ADHD group than in the control group. In addition, the beta-band power in the ADHD group was significantly higher in all brain regions except the occipital region compared to the control children. In terms of developmental changes, the occipital alpha-band power decreased with age in both groups, with a slightly lower power in the ADHD group. »
EEG for Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6224325/
"Non-linear analysis of EEG signals can extract significantly different information in children who develop ASD, as early as 3 months of age. »
"This suggests that measuring GED using the method presented here is a promising technology for monitoring neural development in a large population of children. Future research with larger and more diverse populations is needed to determine the clinical applicability of this approach to the detection of ASDs in general populations. »
To know more about the topic
Links to the official website or well-made news websites:
https://www.cairn.info/revue-contraste-2013-2-page-21.htm# (itinerary of an epileptic child, parental testimony)
https://www.rvd-psychologue.com/mapping-brain-electro-encephalogramme-quantitatif.html (description of the quantitative EEG system)
https://neuromtl.com/fr/nos-technologies/electroencephalogramme-quantitatif-qeeg/
http://www.brainavatar.com/home.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAIQeTeMJ-I
Link to informative articles + reference books :
http://sante.lefigaro.fr/sante/examen/electroencephalogramme/comment-se-deroule-t-il
Link to FB parent groups :
https://www.facebook.com/groups/632115740265013/?ref=br_rs (parents of children with epilepsy)
Link to professional directories :
https://www.doctolib.fr/electroencephalographie-eeg
Any remarks or comments ?
This work is based on a collaborative approach to sharing research and family experience.
If you have any comments, suggestions for modifications or corrections or clarifications to make, please let us know by email at contact@leneurogroupe.org