qEEG Brain Mapping in Manchester.
Understand how your brain - or your child’s brain - is functioning, and how it responds to everyday challenges.
QEEG BRAIN MAPPING - iS IT right for me or my child?
If this feels familiar
If you’ve ever felt like:
Your mind goes blank under pressure
You’re constantly overthinking
You struggle to focus or stay on task
You feel mentally exhausted, even after resting
You react quickly or shut down
You feel stuck in patterns you can’t change
Your sleep isn’t as restful as it should be
Or you’re noticing this in your child:
They struggle with attention, focus, or following through
Their behaviour feels impulsive or difficult to manage
They become overwhelmed or shut down more easily than expected
They have trouble settling, relaxing, or sleeping
Their energy levels seem inconsistent - either very high or very low
They find school or social situations more challenging than others
A QEEG brain map helps show what’s happening underneath that.
While most brain scans look for structural issues, QEEG looks at how your brain communicates. It helps you see the unique ways your brain processes information, responds to stress, and maintains balance.
QEEG BRAIN MAPPING & NEUROFEEDBACK
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A QEEG, or quantitative EEG brain map, is a sophisticated analysis of your brain’s electrical activity using computerised tools, allowing us to assess and understand how your brain is functioning with precision.
An essential part of the assessment process at Optiminds is a QEEG brain map. We can only train a brain that we have first evaluated, and this process helps us ensure that neurofeedback is a suitable and effective approach for you.
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But QEEG isn’t only for those interested in neurofeedback - it’s also a fascinating way to learn more about your own brain. Your brain map provides a window into how your mind processes information, manages stress, regulates emotions, and maintains focus. Many people find it empowering and insightful to see their unique brain patterns and to better understand the connection between their inner world and everyday experience.
What are the benefits of A qEEG brain map?
personal insight
Understand how your brain works and what might be holding you back.
a visual guide
View your brain’s activity in a colourful, easy-to-understand map that makes invisible processes visible.
Clarity & awareness
See how patterns in attention, mood, or sleep might be reflected in your brainwave activity.
empowerment
Learn how your brain’s patterns relate to your everyday experience - helping you make more informed choices for wellbeing and performance.
objective information
Move beyond guesswork with data that shows which brain areas are overactive, underactive, or well balanced.
A starting point for growth
Identify strengths to build on and areas that may benefit from support or training.
A QEEG doesn’t diagnose or label - it simply offers a clearer window into your brain’s activity, helping you understand yourself on a deeper level.
Whether you’re curious about your focus, stress response, creativity, or simply want to know how your brain operates, QEEG provides a powerful foundation for self-awareness and growth.
A QEEG Brain Map provides precise and detailed information about how your brain's physiology supports your cognitive abilities and emotions. QEEG uses statistical methods to analyse and assess brainwaves by comparing your individual data against a normative database of healthy, high-performing individuals of the same age.
From a QEEG assessment, we can identify;
Frequencies in the brain: Delta (0-4 Hz), Theta (5-8 Hz), Alpha (9-12 Hz), Low Beta (13-16 Hz), Mid Beta (17-25Hz), Hi Beta (26-30Hz), and Gamma (41-70Hz).
The amplitude of brainwaves
Symmetry in the brain
Coherence (quality of connections)
Phase (speed of connections)
Network Integration
These are all crucial patterns and objective measures to evaluate optimal mental functioning.
What can you see in a QEEG Brain map?
Your brain’s electrical fingerprint
What’s involved in a qEEG brain mapping assessment?
The process is simple, safe and completely non-invasive.
Fitting the cap
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We place a lightweight cap on the head with small sensors that measure brain activity.
A small amount of gel is used under each sensor to ensure a clear signal. This might feel slightly cool or unusual, but it isn’t painful.
Recording brain activity
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You’ll then sit comfortably while we record your brain activity.
Around 10 minutes with eyes open
Around 10 minutes with eyes closed
During this time, the sensors are simply listening to your brainwaves - nothing is being sent into the brain.
Analysing your results
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After the session, we take time to carefully review your assessment, including:
your QEEG recording
questionnaires
your consultation
This helps us build a full picture of how your brain is functioning.
Feedback and next steps
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Within around 1-2 weeks, we’ll talk you through your results and explain what they may mean for you (or your child).
If appropriate, we’ll suggest a personalised neurofeedback plan.
Who Can Have a qEEG?
A QEEG brain map is suitable for most people who are curious to understand more about their brain function - whether you’re exploring neurofeedback training, looking to enhance performance, or simply interested in how your brain works.
Generally, QEEG is best suited for individuals aged 7 and above. This is because younger children often find it difficult to stay still long enough for accurate recording, and the process requires cooperation throughout.
To complete a QEEG, you’ll need to tolerate wearing a special cap fitted with small sensors and a gentle gel that helps measure your brain’s electrical activity. The process is completely non-invasive and painless - there are no stimulations involved. Most people find it comfortable once the cap is in place, and the mapping itself typically takes around 20–30 minutes once setup is complete.
If you’re unsure whether a QEEG is right for you or your child, we’re happy to talk you through the process and help you decide whether it’s a suitable option.
How to prepare for your QEEG session
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We appreciate it’s not always easy but try to get a good night’s sleep and rest the night before your appointment
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Your hair will need to be clean and dry for the QEEG assessment so please avoid the use of oils, gels, hairspray and waxes or any other hair products. Please make sure your hair is dry.
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Avoid coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages on the day and make sure you drink plenty of water.
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Do share with us details of any current medications you are taking. If you are taking stimulant medication it is preferable to avoid it for 48 hours before the QEEG assessment. This must be done with the consent of your prescribing practitioner.
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Tell us if you have used any drugs or alcohol within the last 72 hours
Following the steps below before your appointment are critical to obtaining a good quality QEEG study of brain function. The brain mapping results are only as good as the recording, so it is important that you carefully follow each of the steps below:
