KEY POINTS
- Brain mapping is a process of analyzing EEG data to identify patterns and anomalies in brain wave patterns as part of neurofeedback.
- Neurofeedback involves training the brain to improve its function by using real-time EEG feedback.
- Brain mapping can reveal specific brain wave patterns associated with various psychological and cognitive conditions.
- Used in conjunction with neurofeedback, brain mapping can help to tailor treatments and deliver more precise interventions to treat mental health conditions.
Brain mapping and neurofeedback are innovative techniques used in the field of neurotherapy to enhance mental health and cognitive functioning. Together, these techniques are useful in diagnosing and treating conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sleep disorders, and anxiety disorders.
Learn more about brain mapping and neurofeedback, the techniques and equipment involved, and how they’re used in clinical treatment settings.
What Is Brain Mapping?
Brain mapping, or quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG), is a brain test that evaluates the electrical activity in the brain.[1] Brain waves represent the oscillatory and rhythmic action of single or multiple brain cells and how they interact. The interactions of brain waves create electrical power, which can then be measured through the scalp.
The brain waves represent rhythmic and repetitive neural activity in the central nervous system. This activity, which is produced in high volume by brain cells working together, is observable with an electroencephalogram and may be analyzed using neurometrics – or the science of measuring the brain’s electrical activity using brain wave patterns.
There are several components of a brain wave, including the amplitude of power, the ratios of power, coherence, and phase, all of which reveal the functional organization – or disorganization – of the brain’s electrical activity.[2]
Each component shows the variations in the brain’s function, which may be associated with different types of brain functions like concentration, attention, and brain conditions or diseases. Together, brain mapping and neurometrics reveal valuable information about brain wave patterns and how the different parts of the brain interact.
Brain Mapping Techniques and Technology
Collecting information from a brain map requires specialized instrumentation. The electrical power produced by the brain waves must be measured accurately, which involves sensors that are placed on the scalp and a conductive gel.
The sensors come in direct contact with the surface of the scalp to pick up brain wave information, while the gel optimizes the electrical activity gathered during the test. The cap is then connected to a computer with software that analyzes the brain waves. The resistance of the electrical circuit of each sensor has to be measured accurately to optimize the electrical information flowing through the scalp into the lead. Low resistance is important to obtain a good measure of the electrical activity.
Different raw EEG data is segmented, analyzed, and measured by the software and presented as statistical brain maps. These maps are topographic and represent the surface of the skull. The different lead sites are shown on the topographic map, corresponding to different areas of the brain that are responsible for different brain functions.
Brain mapping can be useful for neurofeedback to treat a variety of mental health conditions.
What Is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a type of training or brain wave biofeedback where the brain’s electrical activity is related to a computer through electrodes placed at different locations on the scalp and earlobes. The neurofeedback equipment reads information about brainwave function in real-time and relays it into a feedback system that provides instantaneous audio and visual feedback.
Under normal circumstances, we can’t influence our brain wave functions because we can’t see or feel brain waves. Neurofeedback shows the brain wave functions to the client on a computer as they occur, giving the client an opportunity to influence and change brain waves several times. This technique relies on operant conditioning to recondition and retrain the brain.
Overall, neurofeedback is an automatic process that works best when it happens passively. The client should experience the learning as it occurs instead of focusing on making it occur by thinking about it too deeply.
Neurofeedback Techniques and Technology
Neurofeedback uses one or more electrodes placed on the scalp and earlobes for each training session.[3] The brain activity is recorded, and real-time information is relayed to the client. Throughout this process, the client’s brain activity is compared to the desired goal every half a second.
Once the goal is met, there’s positive reinforcement. If the goal isn’t met, there’s a form of negative reinforcement. Often, these are visual or auditory feedback. The intent is to reinforce or inhibit different elements of brain wave functions that were shown in the brain map, helping the brain to learn with guidance from immediate feedback.
How Are Brain Mapping and Neurofeedback Used Together?
Brain mapping is used to provide the information necessary to develop neurofeedback training and retrain specific areas of the brain based on the location of deficits or the frequencies that need to be modified.
What Conditions Are Brain Mapping and Neurofeedback Appropriate For?
Brain mapping and neurofeedback can be used to treat several mental health conditions, including:
- Attention deficit disorders
- Learning disorders
- Behavioral disorders
- Autism
- Pervasive developmental disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Concussion or head injury
- Sleep disturbances
- Personality disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Sensory processing disorders
- Language disorders
- Cognitive problems
- Learning disabilities
- Anxiety
- Migraines
- Depression
- Executive function disorders
Brain mapping is often used with neurofeedback, but some conditions may respond quickly to neurofeedback without a targeted brain mapping protocol. In these cases, it may not be necessary to rely on a brain map as part of the neurofeedback treatment plan.
Use Cases for Brain Mapping and Neurofeedback
Here are some examples of how brain mapping and neurofeedback can help with common mental health conditions:
- Anxiety: Brain mapping can identify abnormal brain wave patterns associated with anxiety, such as increased theta waves and reduced beta waves that are commonly observed in people with high anxiety levels. Neurofeedback can then be used to train the brain to enhance beta wave activity for a more relaxed and focused state.
- ADHD: Children with ADHD often show irregular brain wave patterns. Brain mapping can help pinpoint those patterns and neurofeedback can be used to increase beta wave activity to improve attention and reduce hyperactive behaviors.[4]
- Sleep disorders: Brain mapping can reveal irregular sleep patterns, such as disturbances in delta waves that may inhibit deep sleep. Neurofeedback can help by boosting delta wave activity and improving sleep quality.
Brain Mapping and Neurofeedback for Mental Health
Brain mapping and neurofeedback are an innovative approach to mental health and cognitive therapy, providing a nuanced understanding of the brain’s function and targeted treatment for different conditions. With accurate diagnoses and enhanced therapeutic outcomes, brain mapping and neurofeedback offer valuable tools for addressing conditions like ADHD, sleep disorders, and anxiety.
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Sources
[1] Brain mapping unlocks treatments for movement, mental health disorders: Brain: UT southwestern medical center. Brain | UT Southwestern Medical Center. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://utswmed.org/medblog/brain-mapping-benefits/ on 2024, August 29.
[2] Klimesch, W. (2018, October). The frequency architecture of brain and brain body oscillations: An analysis. The European journal of neuroscience. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6668003/ on 2024, August 29.
[3] Marzbani, H., Marateb, H. R., & Mansourian, M. (2016, April). Neurofeedback: A comprehensive review on system design, methodology and clinical applications. Basic and clinical neuroscience. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4892319/ on 2024, August 29.
[4] Barry, R. J., Clarke, A., & Selikowitz, M. (2002, January 1). EEG evidence for a new conceptualisation of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Clinical … Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/1919071/EEG_evidence_for_a_new_conceptualisation_of_attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder on 2024, August 29.
