Map Description
The Fast Fourier Transformation map
gives information about the areas of activity and overactivity
of the EEG, a reading that tells where in the brain dysfunction
may be occurring. The map can show if EEG slowing is present.
This is determined by recording the balance of EEG amplitude
and variability from the standard 21 brain sites. The mapping
data serves as a baseline to determine if EEG neurofeedback is
an appropriate treatment.
Why is the EEG pattern predictive of
treatment suitability? EEG slowing is present in people who
are symptomatic with problems such as post-concussion syndrome,
PTSD, depression, learning disabilities, fibromyalgia, anxiety,
sleep problems, and autism. A recording of an EEG that has slowing
present shows an imbalance of energy measured in microvolts
in the slowest waves -- the delta, theta, and alpha bands. “An
adult should not have theta or delta patterns in the waking
record and if they appear, they are called slow wave abnormalities.
The slower the frequency and the more often it appears, the
greater is the degree of abnormality. Abnormal slow waves appear
when the brain cells are damaged regardless of the cause of
the damage”. (Hughes, J.R., 1994. EEG in Clinical Practice,
2nd Ed. Butterworth-Heinemann, Newton, MA.) The energy distribution
of delta, theta, and beta activity across the cortex should
be relatively equal. Alpha should be higher in the back of the
head than in the front, and the distribution of energy should
be approximately equal between sides. Extremely low frequencies
(1 – 3 Hz) may also signal an imbalance problem.
The colored schematic is oriented as
if looking down on the top of the head: the top of the square
is the middle of the forehead. The brighter the color, the more
energy is emanating from that site on the head. The range measured
is from 1 to 30 Hz.
The mapping data allows us to see relationships
of power distribution among various sections of the brain. We
use the maps to evaluate each client’s functioning to determine
if the EEG neurofeedback therapy is appropriate for the problems
reported. The map is then used to determine how the therapy
sessions will be conducted. It can also be roughly predictive
(in conjunction with a personal history) of how many sessions
will be necessary and the likelihood of a positive outcome.
The FDA-approved equipment used for
the mapping and treatment is the I-330C2, made by J & J
Engineering, Poulsbo, WA.
Example of the Delta portion of the brain map
