Linda,

Most standard EEGs use 13 electrodes, including one grounded to an ear. Most qEEG's are done using an 18 to 24 electrode cap. They are not uncommon with up to 64 or more electrodes. They are much less expensive than a SPECT. I have had a SPECT and 4 different qEEGs. The important issue about a qEEG is the physician. Most physicians or therapists have limited knowledge of qEEG waveforms. They often rely on a computer to analyze the waveforms. Some do it in their office. Others send the waveform record to a specialist for analysis.
Unless you find a specialist locally, I would recommend finding a specialist who can refer you to a local therapist/qEEG tech.

btw, qEEG stands for quantitative EEG. It just refers to the way the electrical data is processed to find the specific abnormalities. Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) is the algorithm used most often. The result can then be compared to a database of control (non-symptomatic) and symptomatic subjects Normalized to be of a similar age and gender, etc. This allows the physician to group the subject with others and compare the dysfunctions common to the group. There are databases for ADD/ADHD and MTBI. Most research has been done in the ADD/ADHD area.

QEEG is used in litigation is some instances but it takes a very knowledgeable attorney. It is not used in Social Security Disability applications. The SSDI process does not recognize qEEG as valid even though qEEG has very high validity and accuracy rates, in the high 80 to 90 percents. It has very low false positive results, almost statistically insignificant.

Most neurologist do not use qEEG but rather rely on standard EEG procedures. Standard EEG's will often be normal while a qEEG, with the more data points from more electrodes will show serious abnormalities. After my injury I had a normal EEG at the request of my regular neurologist, then, with a different neurologist, I had a very abnormal qEEG. The new neurologist was shocked by the magnitude of dysfunction.

Unless the qEEG is going to be used to direct neuro-feedback, very little therapeutic benefit will come from a qEEG.

It can help confirm symptoms. This can be a lifesaver as it helps the patient and family understand the symptoms are real and not imagined or psychosomatic.

In my case, it confirmed my auditory processing dysfunctions. In fact, the doctor was amazed that I functioned as well as I do with the magnitude of auditory dysfunction. It also validated the slowed processing, especially executive processing, that was diagnosed by the neuro-psychological assessment. I have had it done 4 times over six years. The similarity of all four further validates the symptoms and suggests that they are stable and fixed. At first impression, my neuro suggested that my damage was beyond recovery. Six years later, it appears he was right. He attributes my non-recovery to my age (46 at last injury) and my many previous injuries that had cumulatively used up the rewiring capability (plasticity) of my brain.

I don't want to rain on your parade. Danielle is still young with lots of potential for improvement. This is the toughest area of brain injury since the damage is likely diffuse throughout the brain. Focal injury is often more treatable as the brain can wire around the damage. With diffuse injury, the brain has a hard time finding strong pathways around the many weak pathways. Focal injury usually has some completely or almost completely severed pathways, so the brain abandons them.

The localized seizure activity sounds like there may be some focal injury that is treatable. If it combines with diffuse injury, Danielle needs to be holistic in her efforts to get her brain stronger. Maybe then, her brain can work around the damaged focal area.

Hope this helps. Give her a hug from me.