Quantitative EEG (qEEG) Brain Mapping
See what your brain is actually doing — before deciding how to treat it.
An Objective Window into Brain Activity
Psychiatry has traditionally relied on what patients describe and what clinicians observe. Both are valuable, but both are subjective. Two patients describing 'anxiety' may have entirely different underlying brain activity — and may respond to entirely different treatments.
Quantitative EEG (qEEG) brain mapping changes that. It is a non-invasive scan that records the electrical activity of your brain in real time, then compares your pattern to a large normative database. The result is a measurable, visual map of how your brain is functioning — which we use to guide diagnosis, treatment selection, and progress tracking.
qEEG is safe, painless, takes under an hour, and produces no side effects. It does not introduce any electrical current into the brain — it only records what is already there.
Conditions Evaluated with qEEG
Treatment-resistant depression
Identifies alpha asymmetries and frontal hypoactivation patterns that predict whether rTMS or alternative treatments may help more than additional medication trials.
Adult ADHD diagnosis
Frontal theta-to-beta ratio is one of the most consistent biological markers of ADHD. qEEG helps distinguish ADHD from anxiety or depression with similar surface symptoms.
Anxiety with unclear presentation
Identifies excessive high-frequency beta activity that correlates with chronic hyperarousal — helping distinguish primary anxiety from anxiety secondary to trauma or sleep deprivation.
Trauma and PTSD
Maps dysregulation in limbic networks and frontal regulation systems — informing whether trauma-focused therapy, neuromodulation, or a combination is appropriate.
Cognitive complaints & brain fog
Differentiates between cognitive symptoms caused by depression, sleep disorders, or attention deficits.
What qEEG Actually Measures
qEEG records five primary brainwave frequencies associated with different mental states.
Delta (1–4 Hz)
Dominant during deep sleep. Unusual daytime delta activity can indicate structural brain issues, sleep disorders, or significant cognitive challenges.
Theta (4–8 Hz)
Linked to drowsiness, deep relaxation, and creative states. Elevated frontal theta during alert tasks is one of the most consistent biological markers of ADHD.
Alpha (8–12 Hz)
Dominant during calm, eyes-closed wakefulness. Frontal alpha asymmetry is associated with depression — specifically with reduced left-frontal activity.
Beta (12–30 Hz)
Associated with active thinking and focus. Excessive beta — especially in frontal regions — is associated with chronic anxiety, hyperarousal, and rumination.
Gamma (30+ Hz)
Associated with high-level cognitive processing and information binding. Abnormalities can indicate cognitive dysfunction or OCD patterns.
How a qEEG Session Works
The entire process is non-invasive, painless, and completed in a single visit.
Preparation (10 minutes)
A soft cap with electrode sensors is placed on the scalp. Conductive gel ensures signals are clean. You remain fully alert.
Recording (20–30 minutes)
We record brain electrical activity in both eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. You may also perform basic tasks.
Analysis (clinical review)
Raw data is processed by qEEG software and compared against an age-matched normative database to identify dysregulated circuits.
Report & Treatment Planning
You receive a color-coded map showing your brainwave patterns. Our psychiatrist integrates findings directly into your treatment pathway.
Why Choose MetroMind for qEEG
In-house diagnostics
We operate qEEG equipment on-site at our Kalamassery campus. No outside referral, no delay between scan and treatment planning.
Clinically integrated
Your qEEG report is reviewed by the psychiatrist who is treating you, in the context of your full clinical picture.
Normative database comparison
We use a validated, age-matched normative database for objective interpretation — not subjective raw reading.
Used for progress tracking
Follow-up qEEG scans let us measure neurological changes during treatment — not just symptom self-reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is qEEG brain mapping safe?
Yes. qEEG is completely non-invasive. The sensors only record the brain's natural electrical activity — no electrical current is introduced into the brain, and there is no radiation involved. It is safe for all ages.
How is qEEG different from a regular EEG?
A standard EEG records electrical activity and is read visually by a neurologist, typically to detect seizures. qEEG (quantitative EEG) adds computational analysis — comparing your patterns against normative databases — to identify functional abnormalities relevant to psychiatric conditions.
Will qEEG diagnose my condition by itself?
No. qEEG provides biological data that supports diagnosis — it does not replace clinical evaluation. Diagnosis is made by integrating qEEG findings with clinical interview, psychometric assessment, and medical history.
How long do qEEG results take?
Recording takes 20–30 minutes. The clinical report is typically ready within 24–48 hours and is reviewed with you during your follow-up consultation.
What does qEEG brain mapping cost in Kochi?
Cost depends on the type of assessment required (basic qEEG, full quantitative analysis, or pre/post-treatment comparison protocol). Our clinical coordinators discuss pricing transparently.
Can children have qEEG mapping done?
Yes. qEEG is commonly used in pediatric assessment for ADHD, learning difficulties, and developmental concerns. The procedure is painless and most children tolerate it well.