A Clear, Calm Walkthrough of QEEG Brain Mapping at NeuroVita Brain & Spine, From Your First Conversation to Your Personalized Results
A QEEG evaluation is a non-invasive assessment that records your brain's electrical activity at rest, usually for about 10 minutes with eyes open and 10 minutes with eyes closed, while you sit quietly wearing a sensor cap. The recording is then cleaned, analyzed and compared with age-matched reference data, and the results are reviewed with you alongside your history and symptoms to guide personalized, brain-based care.
By Dr. Jessica Tolentino, DC, QEEG-DL · Founder and Clinical Director, NeuroVita Brain & Spine, San Diego
"Is it going to hurt? Do I have to do anything?"
These are two of the most common questions I hear before a first brain map. It makes sense. Most people have never had their brain measured, and anything involving the word "brain" can feel a little intimidating.
Here's the good news: you mostly just sit and relax.
This guide walks you through exactly what to expect, so you can arrive feeling informed instead of anxious.
At a glance:
Non-invasive and painless: sensors only measure your brain; nothing is sent into it
No radiation, no needles, no medication
Mostly resting: about 10 minutes eyes open and 10 minutes eyes closed sitting in a comfortable chair
Paired with a clinical history and functional neurological exam so the data is interpreted in context
Results reviewed with you in a dedicated Review of Findings visit
Available in San Diego and the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, with follow-up care available remotely throughout California
What is a QEEG evaluation?
QEEG stands for quantitative electroencephalography: a recording of your brain's electrical activity that is analyzed mathematically and compared with reference data from people your age.
Your brain is an electrical organ. Neurons communicate by firing electrical signals, and when large groups fire together, they create activity strong enough to measure at the scalp. Those signals fall into different speeds, or brainwaves:
Delta: the slowest; most prominent in deep sleep
Theta: slow; associated with drowsiness, memory and imagery
Alpha: the brain's "idling speed" when you're awake and relaxed
Beta: faster; associated with active thinking, focus and, sometimes, stress
In medical neurology, EEG is often used to look for major problems like seizures or to support sleep studies. A QEEG evaluation goes a step further. It looks at how the brain is functioning: which areas may be over- or under-active, and how well regions communicate.
At NeuroVita, the QEEG is one part of a broader evaluation that also includes your history and a functional neurological exam. For a deeper overview, see What Is a QEEG Brain Map?
How should I prepare for a QEEG brain map?
Preparing for a QEEG is simple: arrive rested, with clean, dry hair, and keep your routine as normal as possible so the recording reflects your typical brain. You'll receive specific instructions before your visit, but these are the general guidelines:
Wash your hair the night before or that morning, and skip oils, gels, sprays and conditioners
Sleep as you normally would. A very short night can shift the recording toward sleepier patterns than would be your typical norm
Eat a normal meal beforehand so low blood sugar isn't a factor
Keep caffeine consistent with your usual habits rather than adding extra, and try to avoid it an hour before if possible
Avoid alcohol and cannabis before your appointment, since both can change brainwave activity
Keep taking prescribed medications unless your prescribing provider tells you otherwise, and bring a list of medications and supplements
Bring relevant records, such as prior imaging reports, neurology notes or lab results
Why does this matter? A QEEG is designed to capture your brain's stable, trait-like patterns rather than a passing state. The more typical your day, the more useful your data.
What happens during a QEEG appointment, step by step?
A QEEG appointment has four main parts: a detailed history, a functional neurological exam, sensor cap setup and a resting recording. Here's how it typically flows:
Your story comes first. We talk through your symptoms, goals, medical history, past head injuries, sleep, stress and medications. This context shapes how I read your data later.
Functional neurological exam. I look at how your nervous system is working in real time: vital signs, eye movements, vestibular system, balance, coordination, reflexes, skin sensation, strength, range of motion, and posture. A full head to toe workup.
Cap setup. You'll wear a fitted cap with sensors positioned according to the international 10-20 system, a standardized method that uses measurements between landmarks on your head so placement is consistent from person to person. We check that each sensor is making good contact before recording.
The resting recording. You'll sit comfortably in a chair for about 10 minutes with your eyes open and about 10 minutes with your eyes closed. You don't need to do anything special. I'll simply ask you to stay relaxed, keep still and let your mind be.
Wrap-up. We remove the cap, answer any questions and schedule your Review of Findings.
What does it feel like? Most people describe it as surprisingly easy, even a little boring. The cap may feel snug, and sitting still for several minutes can take some patience. Some people notice their thoughts racing while trying to sit quietly. That's completely normal, and it's useful information too.
In some cases, I may also recommend an optional computer-based cognitive assessment to measure attention, memory and processing speed alongside the brain map.
Why does a QEEG record with eyes open and eyes closed?
The brain behaves differently with eyes open and eyes closed, so recording both gives a fuller picture of how it shifts between states. Research comparing the two conditions has found differences in both the amount and the location of brainwave activity (Barry et al., 2007).
Eyes closed: with visual input removed, the brain typically "idles" more, and alpha becomes more prominent, especially toward the back of the head. This is a great window into the brain's resting rhythm and its idling speed.
Eyes open: the brain is processing visual information, so it's a little more engaged. This shows how well different regions shift into a more active state.
One of the things I look at is how your brain changes between these two states. A brain that shifts smoothly suggests flexibility. A brain that stays "stuck in neutral" or stays revved up in both conditions may point to areas worth a closer look.
Why about 10 minutes each? Brain activity fluctuates moment to moment. Recording for several minutes lets us average many data points, so we're capturing your brain's more stable patterns rather than a single snapshot of a sleepy or distracted moment.
What happens to my QEEG data after the recording?
After your visit, the raw recording is reviewed, cleaned of artifact, analyzed and compared statistically with age-matched reference data. This is where most of the work happens, and it's the part I find most fascinating.
Raw data review. I scroll through the full recording looking for anything that stands out, including patterns that might warrant referral to another specialist. QEEG is not a seizure test or sleep test, but screening the raw signal is part of responsible practice.
Artifact removal. Not everything the sensors pick up comes from the brain. Blinks, jaw tension, muscle activity, movement and even sweat can show up in the signal. These are identified and removed so they aren't mistaken for brain activity.
Spectral analysis. The cleaned data is broken down into how much of each brainwave your brain produces, and where.
Database comparison. Your results are compared with reference data from people your age, often expressed as z-scores, which show how far a measure falls from the typical range.
Connectivity analysis. I look at how different brain regions communicate and whether some are over- or under-connected.
Clinical interpretation. Finally, I put the data together with your history, exam findings and goals. This step is what turns a set of graphs into a plan.
For complex cases, I also review findings with my mentor, Jay Gunkelman, QEEG-D, before your results visit. Jay is one of the most experienced EEG specialists in the world: he began working with EEG in 1972, has processed more than 500,000 EEGs, was the first EEG technologist certified in QEEG, and is a past president of the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research. A second set of highly experienced eyes is part of doing this carefully.
What happens at the QEEG Review of Findings?
The Review of Findings is a one-on-one visit, often held virtually, where I walk you through your brain map in plain language and explain how the patterns may relate to what you're experiencing. You also receive a written report to revisit anytime.
Here's what we typically cover:
A quick brainwave refresher, so the graphs make sense
How to read your map: an aerial view of your head, with each graph showing one sensor location
Your key findings, eyes open and eyes closed, and what each brain region is responsible for
How the data lines up with your symptoms, and where it doesn't
Your exam findings, explained the same way
Recommendations, which may include personalized neurofeedback, HRV biofeedback, eye-movement or other neuro-rehabilitative exercises, lifestyle support or referral to another provider
Your questions. There are no silly ones
This is honestly my favorite part. So often, people see their map and say, "That's exactly what I've been feeling." Seeing your experience reflected in objective data can be incredibly validating. You're not imagining it, and it's not a personal failing. It's physiology.
If neurofeedback is a good fit, your program can usually continue from home with a remote kit. Learn more in What Is Remote Neurofeedback?
What can and can't a QEEG evaluation tell me?
A QEEG can show what your brain is doing, but not why, and it does not diagnose a condition on its own.
A QEEG may help:
identify regions that are under- or over-active
show how well brain networks communicate
connect symptoms to measurable patterns
guide personalized neurofeedback protocols
track change over time with follow-up maps
A QEEG does not:
replace a medical evaluation, CT or MRI
diagnose ADHD, concussion, anxiety or any other condition by itself
tell us the cause of a pattern (an old injury, genetics, stress or medication can look similar)
That's why context matters so much. The same pattern can mean different things in different people. For more on this, read What QEEG Brain Mapping Can and Cannot Tell You About Your Brain.
Who might benefit from a QEEG evaluation in San Diego?
People often explore QEEG brain mapping when symptoms affect daily life but standard tests haven't offered clear answers. Common reasons include:
concussion or post-concussion symptoms
brain fog, slow processing or word-finding trouble
headaches, migraines or dizziness
attention and focus challenges
anxiety, rumination or difficulty relaxing
sleep and energy concerns
interest in optimizing cognitive performance
In San Diego, I see everyone from surfers and cyclists recovering from falls along the coast, to professionals commuting on the I-5 and I-805, to military families connected to Naval Base San Diego, MCAS Miramar and Camp Pendleton. Our office is at 1620 Fifth Avenue, just south of Balboa Park, and follow-up care is available remotely throughout California.
Final Thoughts
A QEEG evaluation is less about "testing" you and more about listening to your nervous system. You sit, you relax, and your brain tells its story.
What makes it meaningful is what happens next: careful analysis, honest interpretation and a conversation about what the data may mean for your daily life. When we understand how your brain is functioning, we can stop guessing and build a plan around you.
Your symptoms are signals. A brain map helps us hear them more clearly.
Ready to Learn More?
If you're in San Diego or anywhere in California and wondering whether a QEEG evaluation is right for you, let's talk. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to share your goals and ask any questions before booking.
About the Author
Dr. Jessica Tolentino, DC, QEEG-DL
Dr. Jessica Tolentino is the Founder and Clinical Director of NeuroVita Brain & Spine in San Diego. She is a Licensed QEEG Diplomate through the International QEEG Certification Board with more than 12 years of experience in QEEG brain mapping and neurofeedback, a path that began at UCLA. She holds a BS in Psychobiology from UCLA and a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Southern California University of Health Sciences, and is completing post-doctoral training in Functional Neurology and Brain Injury Rehabilitation through the Carrick Institute. Her work focuses on concussion, headaches, dizziness, brain fog and nervous system regulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a QEEG brain map hurt?
No, a QEEG is painless and non-invasive. The sensors only record electrical activity your brain already produces; nothing is sent into your brain, and there is no radiation or medication involved. Most people simply find the cap snug and the sitting a little boring.
How long does a QEEG evaluation take?
The recording itself is about 20 minutes: roughly 10 minutes with eyes open and 10 with eyes closed. With history, a functional neurological exam and cap setup, plan for a longer appointment, and results are reviewed at a separate Review of Findings visit.
Can a QEEG diagnose ADHD or concussion?
No, a QEEG does not diagnose ADHD, concussion or any condition on its own. It can show brainwave patterns that may be consistent with certain symptoms, and those findings are interpreted alongside your history and exam to guide personalized care.
Where can I get a QEEG brain map in San Diego?
NeuroVita Brain & Spine offers QEEG brain mapping at 1620 Fifth Avenue in San Diego, near Balboa Park and downtown. The evaluation is led by Dr. Jessica Tolentino, DC, QEEG-DL, a Licensed QEEG Diplomate, and follow-up neurofeedback can be done remotely throughout California.
References
Acharya, J. N., Hani, A., Cheek, J., Thirumala, P., & Tsuchida, T. N. (2016). American Clinical Neurophysiology Society Guideline 2: Guidelines for standard electrode position nomenclature. Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology, 33(4), 308–311. Link
Barry, R. J., Clarke, A. R., Johnstone, S. J., Magee, C. A., & Rushby, J. A. (2007). EEG differences between eyes-closed and eyes-open resting conditions. Clinical Neurophysiology, 118(12), 2765–2773. Link
This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical evaluation.
