This is a non-invasive method that involves placing sensors on the head of the patient. These sensors are critically placed to record brain electrical activity that is generated by nerve cells in different regions of the brain. By recording this activity, we can learn about the way the brain functions under a variety of conditions. For example, patients will be simply asked to relax, close or open their eyes or even take a nap. Because brain activity can be defined as normal or abnormal based on numerous published scientific studies, we can use this technique to identify the location(s) of potential abnormalities as well as the severity of the process. Since the brain is dynamic and continually changing, we can monitor the brain’s response to medications, helping us select the most specific and appropriate and eventually observe the process of healing.

Evoked Potential studies are based on a similar principle as the qEEG studies except, in this case, we challenge the brain to respond to specific environmental challenges. For example, we may ask the brain to respond to flashing lights, detect differences between sounds, respond to mild stimulation of the hands or feet, or watch the brain as it solves problems. These tests help evaluate the integrity of systems allowing the clinicians to determine how well the brain performs basic functions. For example, aberrant response to the auditory processing test will lead the clinician to focus on this system first.