Struggling to Understand My qEEG Results
I'm a 22-year-old female who's recently sought to obtain my medical records from past neurofeedback treatments I underwent several years ago. Unfortunately, I find myself at a loss when it comes to interpreting the findings. I'm particularly curious about the implications of the variations between my two tests. At that time, between the ages of 15 and 16, I had been diagnosed with PTSD and depression, which prompted the treatment I received, and I was not on any medication. Below, I provide verbatim excerpts from my qEEG records, as no additional details were included with them. **10/01/2018:** The absolute power qEEG with eyes closed, analyzed using the linked ears montage, indicated notable levels of activation across multiple areas. The theta wave activity between 4 and 8Hz did not show significant changes. However, in the alpha wave spectrum at 9 to 10Hz, there was no marked activation, but an increase at 10 to 11Hz in the left frontal area was noted. The beta waves from 13 to 18Hz did not show significant findings, whereas significant activations were observed at 20Hz in both the left frontal and temporal areas, 24Hz in the right frontal area, as well as continued significant activations at 26Hz in the bilateral frontal area and sections of the left temporal and central regions, up to 30Hz in the left parietal and temporal areas combined. The LORETA analysis (Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography) of the eyes-closed condition also revealed some notable activations. Theta waves between 4 and 8Hz remained unchanged. However, elevated alpha activity between 9 and 11Hz was detected in the left frontal area, while no significant beta activation was reported. In contrast, the absolute power qEEG with eyes open displayed evident increased activation levels, as analyzed through the linked ears montage. Delta waves at 1 and 3Hz showed no marked changes, and theta waves at 4 to 8Hz also did not exhibit significant activation. Alpha waves within 9 to 12Hz remained unchanged, while beta waves at 15 and 29Hz in the right auditory cortex showed significant elevation. The eyes-open LORETA analysis indicated minimal significant activation. Delta waves at 1 to 3Hz did not demonstrate any notable activation. Theta waves at 8Hz showed an increase in the left frontal region, although alpha from 9 to 12Hz did not reveal any marked changes, nor did beta from 13 to 30Hz. **03/18/2019:** The eyes-open qEEG recorded significant activity when evaluated with the linked ears montage. Delta waves were found to be within normal limits from 1 to 4Hz, with coherence also remaining normal. Slowed activity was observed globally, particularly in the right hemisphere and in parietal and occipital areas. Similarly, theta activation remained normal from 5 to 8Hz, but global coherence showcased significant elevation, particularly within the left hemisphere, with phase activity showed some global slowdown. Alpha levels remained normal from 9 to 11Hz while peaking at 12Hz in the right temporal area. Coherence in the alpha band was primarily elevated in the left hemisphere, with some decrease in the right. The phase analysis indicated widespread rapid activity. Furthermore, beta activation was significantly heightened from 13 to 16Hz in the right temporal region, extending through 30Hz primarily in the right temporal area. Coherence in the beta band also saw significant elevations. The eyes-open LORETA revealed significant activity across various regions as well. Notably, delta activation was reduced at 1Hz in both the left frontal and left central areas but remained normal from 2 to 4Hz. Theta waves observed remained normal from 5 to 8Hz. Alpha activity was sustained within typical limits at 9 to 10Hz, showing significant elevation from 11 to 12Hz, especially in right frontal and temporal regions. Beta activity spiked significantly between 13 to 17Hz in the right temporal, right frontal, and right central regions and saw additional significant elevation from 27 to 30Hz primarily in these same areas, with normal levels returning from 20 to 26Hz.
Answers (1)
7/27/2025, 10:20:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed by your qEEG results from neurofeedback treatments, particularly regarding the differences between your two tests. This can understandably be confusing, especially considering your history of PTSD and depression, but I’m here to help clarify things for you.
Main Points:
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Understanding qEEG Results: Your qEEG measures brain wave patterns, including delta, theta, alpha, and beta waves, which can indicate different areas of brain activity. Changes between your tests may reflect the brain’s response to your past treatment.
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Interpreting Variations: The differences you mentioned between the tests could suggest changes in brain function or response to therapy, especially in the context of symptoms related to PTSD and depression. Significant activations in certain frequency bands (alpha and beta) may indicate areas of heightened activity or improvement.
Explanation:
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Delta Waves (1-4Hz): Associated with deep sleep and restorative functions. Normal levels suggest consistent sleep patterns.
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Theta Waves (4-8Hz): Often linked to relaxation and creativity; unchanged levels between tests might indicate stability in these areas.
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Alpha Waves (9-12Hz): Reflect relaxation and calmness. An increase in activity, particularly in the frontal areas, could suggest improvements in emotional regulation.
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Beta Waves (13-30Hz): Related to active thinking and problem-solving; significant increases could indicate greater cognitive engagement or stress responses.
Next Steps:
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Reflect on Symptoms: Consider any changes in your mood, cognition, or overall function between the two test dates. Have you noticed any improvements or worsening of your symptoms?
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Engage in Self-Care: Focus on strategies that promote mental well-being, such as mindfulness, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep. These can positively influence brain function and emotional health.
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Document Changes: Keep a journal for at least a month tracking your mood and any physical sensations. This can provide insight into patterns and triggers that may relate to your qEEG findings.
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Explore Further Support: Consider seeking guidance from a mental health professional experienced in neurofeedback or qEEG interpretations for more personalized insights into your results.
If you have specific symptoms or concerns about your mental health as they relate to these findings, prioritizing mental health check-ins and supportive resources is essential. Remember, progress can often be non-linear, and it’s okay to seek clarity as you navigate this process.
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