Iris Gets a QEEG

Robin Mead

Many of our readers report that it was very helpful to their disability applications to have a combination of these two tests:

🌷A Neuropsychological test

🌷A brain scan or brain mapping. This may include SPECT scans, PET scans, Functional MRIs, and QEEG brain mapping. In some cases, standard MRIs are also helpful.

These tests can be helpful for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or related illnesses that cause cognitive impairments.

Iris took a QEEG and was kind enough to share her story along with background information to help others.

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IRIS TAKES A QEEG

Quantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG) is an easy non invasive test that can be done in about 20 minutes.

The patient sits in a quiet room, with eyes closed and face relaxed. An array of electrodes on the scalp measures electrical activation and neural activity on the cerebral cortex of the brain.

This data is compared to a matched age and gender normative database of symptom-free people.

An ME patient must also do a neuropsychological assessment and cognitive testing so the qEEG results can be read in light of their cognitive scores.

Often, ME/CFS patients will have readings in electrical activity that are several deviations from the norm. This provides a definitive biological result for patients to use in proving their illness especially some of the more difficult to prove symptoms of “brain fog” and difficulty concentrating, making holding down even a sedentary job impossible.

Research studies (below) suggest an association between elevated theta activity in the frontal lobes and impairment in executive function (planning, decision-making, sustaining attention, focusing and concentrating). Elevated theta activity is also linked to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Other studies associate elevated alpha and beta activity with symptoms of attention deficit disorder. Often an ME patient will find they have elevations in alpha, beta and theta activity in their brains.

Make sure the neuropsychologist who writes the report refers to the existing literature. Refer to the most compelling research that aligns to your own test results for legal appeals.

MORE TESTS

While applying for disability for ME/CFS, Iris took four different medical tests. Here’s All Four Tests Iris Took

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Reference studies:
Billiot, K. M., Budzynski, T. H., & Andrasik, F. (1997). EEG Patterns and chronic fatigue syndrome. Journal of Neurotherapy, 2(2), 20-30.

Clarke, A. R., Barry, R. J., Dupuy, F. E., McCarthy, R., Selikowitz, M. & Johnstone, S. J. (2013). Excess beta activity in the EEG of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A disorder of arousal? International Journal of Psychophysiology, 89(3), 314-319.

Clarke, A. R., Barry, R. J., McCarthy, R., & Selikowitz, M. (2001). Excess beta activity in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: an atypical electrophysiological group. Psychiatry Research, 103(2-3), 205-218.

Hermens, D. F., Soei, E., Clarke, S. D., Kohn, M. R., Gordon, E. & Williams, L. M. (2005). Resting EEG theta activity predicts cognitive performance in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Pediatric Neurology, 32, 248-256.

Koehler, S., Lauer, P., Schreppel, T., Jacob, C., Heine, M., Boreatti-Hümmer, A., Fallgatter, A. J. & Herrmann, M. J. (2009). Increased EEG power density in alpha and theta bands in adult ADHD patients. Journal of Neural Transmission, 116, 97-104.

Thatcher, R. W., Walker, R. A., Biver, C. J., North, D. M., & Curtin, R. (2003). Quantitative EEG normative databases: Validation and clinical correlation. Journal of Neurotherapy, 7, 87-121.

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