The approach promulgated on this website is a marked departure from previous approaches in
the field of the Quantitative EEG (QEEG). Traditional approaches initially collected data on the eyes
closed condition. As the field developed the eyes open condition was added. Some researchers have
added some basic cognitive tasks. Relationships to cognitive performance data (obtained at a different
time and place) have been examined for significant correlations. One of the problems with this approach
is that one cannot drive with eyes closed, thus the data is problematic for its relationship to cognitive
performance.
The QEEG variable correlates of cognitive functioning obtained from eyes closed data are not
the same ones which are obtained under the actual cognitive task. These eyes closed variables can be
clinically misleading and counter productive. It is also relevant to understand that some of the QEEG
variables are negative correlates and a hindrance to optimal cognitive functioning. The database
employed in the reports is the only database in the world that examines the 32-64 Hz frequency range
under cognitive activation conditions, which is critical in the brain injury situation.
The cognitive activation QEEG evaluation method is discussed on this website. This method
states that only by examining the relationships between the QEEG variables and cognitive performance
at the time of the cognitive task can we obtain meaningful understanding of how the electrophysiology
of the brain works. The method examines the entire brain during the cognitive task and thus is a systems
approach to the problem of cognitive performance.
The full evaluation takes about an hour to administer. It is an automated software evaluation
which involves minimal technician involvement. The technician is required to a) place a cap on the head
and obtain adequate impedance measurements, b) pause the recording if excessive artifact is occurring,
c) score the 8 recorded auditory and reading memory recall at the end of the evaluation.
The Cognitive Activation QEEG evaluation involves the collection of data under 7 tasks: eyes
closed, auditory and visual attention, auditory memory, reading memory, working memory and problem
solving (Raven’s matrices). The auditory and reading memory tasks involve collection of data during the
encoding task, immediate recall and delayed recall tasks.
What is presented on the tabs below are video examples of the administration of the two
attention tasks, the auditory and reading memory tasks, the working memory task and the problem
solving tasks. The exposure time on the attention tasks and working memory task were shortened from
the evaluation exposure periods for the convenience of the viewer.
Once the evaluation has been completed it is uploaded to our server where the analysis is
conducted, a 37 page report is produced which presents all the data obtained. Graphic head figures and
statistical tables present the Standard Deviation values of all of the variables as well as the summary
variables which focus on the flashlight and processing unit concepts. The report is sent to the clinician
via email.
The biofeedback program examines the subject’s values on the variables that are critical to
performance (auditory and reading memory, problem solving), from both a positive correlation and
negative correlation point of view. The biofeedback software mathematically prioritizes the variables
which are the focus of the intervention, conducts the session, saves the data, and updates the subject’s
performance. The software then makes changes in the priority list based on the subject’s current
performance. This information is employed in the protocol decision for the next session. The
technician’s task in the biofeedback software is to a) place a cap on the head and obtain adequate
impedance measurements, b) enter the subject’s identification information and c) decide which
cognitive task is to be addressed (auditory, reading, problem solving).
The intervention approach is a remediation of deficit model which has shown an average of 1.69
Standard Deviation improvements in memory (auditory and reading) functioning across a group of 81
diverse subjects (brain injured, normal, learning disabled).
If you are interested in downloading the full demonstration programs, you can go to http://neuroeducation.us/.
Register and login. Go to the “Download Software Package” link to install the 4 programs for the new
evaluation and biofeedback programs. The 4 programs include: 1) the Neuroeducation workstation program, 2) the
Neuroeducation Console program, 3) the Neuroeducation EEG sender program and 4) the
Neuroeducation KISS program (biofeedback). You can run a sample evaluation without a real patient and
can do a sample biofeedback session with a patient file which will be installed. The manuals explain how
this can be done.
The approach is highly automated to avoid differences in administration and to allow for
minimal effort in administration. The only two tasks which require clinician time and decision is the
ability to create extra variables and control of the reward and inhibit sound patterns. However, there
are default variables and default sound patterns which can be used and require no effort or time on the
part of the technician. A manual will be downloaded with the program files which explain how these
parameters can be programmed as well as a general guide to the evaluation and biofeedback programs.