I have had five EEG/qEEG's in the past 8 years. They have all been done with the cap. Back in 1970, they used electrodes that clipped to the skin with little spikes like those used to secure an Ace bandage.

I found that it is very helpful to shampoo your hair just before the test. Then, they can get the electrodes to make electrical contact easier. Use a shampoo that does not have a conditioner in it. Conditioning shampoo will likely add oil to your skin. The oil makes the electrical contact more difficult.

My qEEG's each lasted about an hour. EEG's done to test for seizures can last for hours, especially if they include a long sleep period.

The goo in the hair sounds familiar. It takes a good shampoo to get it all out.

The new MEG system sounds like it may promise a more pleasant experience.

Marc,

I didn't follow what is the new MEG?

And the qEEG is it uncomfortable with glue and such or just a cap with electrodes they put on your head?

Linda

MEG is MagnetoEncephaloGraphy. It is a new technology that measures the electromagnetic energy of minute areas of the brain. It can be used to pinpoint areas of damage.

You will likely have a difficult time finding a clinic that uses it. It is more a research system at present. It is much less annoying than the qEEG or EEG.

Danielle's reaction to the discomfort of the EEG cap and goop may indicate a low threshold of stress/discomfort. Maybe the duration was a bit much for her. I did not find the cap to be overly uncomfortable.

A MEG system is much shorter duration in my understanding. It is more like a CT or MRI. See this web site:
http://www.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu/lrrl/megeeg.html
This MEG appears to be combined with an EEG with cap.

Here is a more complex explanation of MEG:
http://www.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu/marti...ologiesMEG.php

It sounds like a very interesting upcoming technology. As it become more common and some of the functional problems are resolved, it could answer many questions about focal abnormalities in the brain.