qEEG Analysis
Advanced Quantitative EEG Analysis for Scientific Studies
Quantitative EEG (qEEG) analysis converts raw electroencephalography into numerical variables that can be compared, modelled and published. Done well, qEEG analysis is transparent about its methods, its assumptions and its limits; done poorly, it produces impressive-looking numbers that do not withstand review.
Neuromap™ provides advanced qEEG analysis for scientific studies, integrating multiple analytical domains within a single documented analysis plan and pairing computational output with specialist review.
Analytical Domains
- Spectral and frequency analysis – absolute and relative power, band relationships, peak-frequency characteristics
- Asymmetry and regional balance within montage limits
- Functional connectivity and network organisation where data quality permits
- Temporal dynamics, stability and complexity measures
- Longitudinal comparison across visits using consistent settings
Methods Transparency
Reproducible qEEG requires that processing settings, variable definitions, exclusions, software version, reference basis and output schema are documented. Neuromap™ treats study configurations as version-controlled artefacts so that analyses can be traced and repeated within the agreed environment, which is exactly what peer reviewers and funders increasingly ask for.
Reference and Normative Context
Where an eligible and governed comparison dataset exists, Neuromap™ can apply age-, sex- or cohort-relevant reference context. Every such comparison must identify the reference source, applicable population, variable definition, limitations and permitted use. Reference comparison does not by itself establish diagnosis or clinical significance.
Outputs for Publication
Neuromap™ can produce clear, reproducible figures, tables and structured exports suitable for manuscript development, subject to journal requirements, alongside plain-language and technical descriptions of the analytical domains used.
Scope and Cautions
Neuromap™ provides EEG and qEEG data analytics for research. Outputs are data and neutral observations only; a suitably qualified clinician or investigator completes all interpretation. Neuromap™ does not provide a clinical diagnosis and is not an accredited clinical diagnostic laboratory.
qEEG variables are frequently exploratory. They should be interpreted with appropriate caution, adequate sample size and awareness of confounds such as medication, arousal and artefact.
Choosing the Right qEEG Measures
Good qEEG analysis begins with choosing measures that match the research question, not computing everything possible and searching for significance afterwards. Neuromap™ works with investigators to select a focused, prospectively defined set of qEEG variables, which improves statistical validity and makes the resulting qEEG analysis far easier to publish.
Spectral measures suit questions about power and frequency; connectivity measures suit questions about network organisation; complexity and temporal measures suit questions about signal dynamics. Matching measure to question is the first step in responsible quantitative EEG analysis.
The Role of Preprocessing in qEEG Analysis
Preprocessing decisions – filtering, referencing, artefact handling and segmentation – strongly influence qEEG results. These choices are prospectively defined and documented. Neuromap™ records the agreed preprocessing configuration, software version, exclusions and output definitions to support traceability and repeatability within the configured analytical environment. External reproduction also requires access to equivalent software, versions, data and dependencies.
- Filtering and re-referencing settings
- Artefact detection and removal approach
- Segment length and selection criteria
- Handling of bad channels
- Software and version used
From qEEG Analysis to Interpretation
Numbers are not conclusions. Neuromap™ pairs qEEG analysis with specialist review that connects the quantitative output to the research question, states plausible mechanisms and, importantly, sets out the boundaries of inference. This is where quantitative EEG analysis becomes genuinely useful rather than merely impressive.
qEEG Analysis for Different Research Fields
qEEG analysis is applied across many research fields, and the appropriate measures differ by field. Cognitive and ageing research often focuses on spectral and peak-frequency measures; psychiatry and psychopharmacology research may examine arousal and network measures; sleep and vigilance research examines state-dependent characteristics. Neuromap™ configures qEEG analysis to the field and the specific question rather than applying a fixed template.
- Cognitive and ageing research – spectral, peak-frequency and complexity measures
- Psychiatry and psychopharmacology – arousal, frontal and network measures
- Sleep and vigilance – state-dependent frequency and stability measures
- Neurodevelopmental research – age-referenced spectral and connectivity measures
Turning a Research Question Into a qEEG Analysis Plan
A useful qEEG analysis plan translates the research question into a documented set of variables, comparisons and outputs. Neuromap™ works through this translation with investigators: defining the primary comparisons, selecting the qEEG measures that address them, specifying preprocessing and reference, and setting out how results will be reported. Doing this before data are analysed keeps the qEEG analysis focused and defensible.
Research Applications
The service supports a broad range of study types, from single-site academic projects to multi-centre industry programmes.
- Single-site and multi-centre academic studies
- Industry-sponsored exploratory research
- Retrospective analysis of existing recordings
- Method-development and reproducibility work
What You Receive
Research engagements deliver documented, reproducible outputs suitable for statistical analysis and manuscript development.
- Structured, machine-readable data exports keyed by participant and visit
- Clear tables and publication-oriented figures where requested
- A documented record of settings, definitions and any exclusions
- Study-level summaries at agreed milestones
- Optional specialist scientific review at the contracted service level
Every deliverable is prepared in professional British English and is designed to slot directly into the study team’s statistical, regulatory or manuscript workflow.
Getting Started
The service is designed to fit academic and industry research alike.
The usual first step is a short feasibility review. The study team shares the research outline, the expected data volume, the acquisition details and the deliverables required. Compatibility is then confirmed and a study-specific scope and quotation provided before any commitment.
Key Terms Explained
The following terms appear across this area of research and may help teams new to advanced electrophysiology.
Spectral power
The distribution of signal energy across frequency bands.
Functional connectivity
Statistical relationships between activity at different sensors or sources.
Preprocessing
Steps such as filtering, referencing and artefact handling applied before analysis.
Reference montage
The electrical reference against which channels are measured.
Reproducibility
The ability to repeat an analysis and obtain the same result from the same data.
Normative context
Comparison against a defined population, with stated population and limitations.
A Note on Responsible Use
All outputs are provided for research use. They consist of data and neutral observations, and a suitably qualified clinician or investigator retains responsibility for interpretation, clinical meaning and any decisions that follow.
Summary
Quantitative EEG work is most valuable when measures are chosen prospectively, preprocessing is documented, and interpretation is cautious and expert-reviewed. Neuromap™ delivers advanced quantitative EEG analysis with the transparency that research and publication require.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about qEEG analysis for research and publication.
What is the difference between EEG and qEEG?
EEG is the recorded signal; qEEG applies quantitative methods to derive numerical variables such as spectral power, connectivity and complexity measures from that signal.
Is qEEG a diagnostic test?
Not in this service. Neuromap™ provides qEEG data analytics for research; clinical interpretation and diagnosis remain with qualified clinicians.
Can qEEG results be published?
Yes. Neuromap™ supports methods documentation, figures, tables and interpretation, though publication and journal acceptance cannot be guaranteed.
How much clean data is needed?
This depends on the measure. Spectral, connectivity and microstate analyses each have different minimum artefact-free data requirements, confirmed at feasibility.
Can you reproduce an analysis for a revision?
Yes. Because settings and definitions are documented and version-controlled, an analysis can be repeated within the agreed environment.
Do you provide plain-language method descriptions?
Yes. Technical and plain-language descriptions can be provided to support both expert reviewers and wider study documentation.
Limitations and important notes
- qEEG cannot overcome poor acquisition or excessive artefact.
- Exploratory variables do not constitute validated endpoints.
- Any published figure for analytical-output count, reference datasets, processing capacity or turnaround is conditional on the documented platform version and the requirements of the specific study.