Why qEEG Brain Mapping Is Essential for Effective TMS Treatment
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has revolutionised the treatment of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and OCD. But did you know that its effectiveness can be significantly enhanced by a qEEG brain mapping assessment?
In our Central London clinic, we use quantitative EEG (qEEG) to analyse brain activity before recommending or initiating TMS treatment. This advanced assessment tool allows us to develop personalised protocols, improving outcomes and making TMS therapy more targeted, efficient, and insightful.
What Is qEEG Brain Mapping and Why Does It Matter?
qEEG, or quantitative electroencephalography, is a non-invasive technique that records electrical activity across various brain regions. Using a 19-channel EEG cap, we gather resting-state brainwave data and compare it to a large normative database to detect deviations in brain function.
Unlike structural imaging (such as MRI), qEEG provides a functional map of how your brain is functioning at the moment. This map is invaluable for identifying neural patterns associated with mental health symptoms, such as slowed activity in the left prefrontal cortex (linked to depression) or overactivity in the right frontal areas (linked to anxiety or rumination).
How qEEG Enhances TMS Therapy
Traditional TMS protocols often use “standard” stimulation targets, such as the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), for depression. While this approach is effective, it may not account for individual brain differences.
Here’s where qEEG transforms the treatment:
🧠 1. Personalised Targeting
qEEG pinpoints specific areas of dysregulation—such as hypoactive or hyperactive regions—allowing us to target TMS to the precise cortical areas that are misfiring.
🧠 2. Informed Protocol Selection
Different brain wave patterns suggest different stimulation needs:
Low alpha activity → may benefit from upregulating with high-frequency TMS
High beta activity → may indicate the need for downregulation with low-frequency TMS
This data enables us to tailor frequency, intensity, and laterality based on your unique brain profile.
🧠 3. Better Outcomes, Faster
By aligning the TMS protocol with actual neural dysfunction, we can often achieve faster symptom relief, reduce the number of required sessions, and increase the durability of improvement.
🧠 4. Objective Tracking Over Time
We can repeat the qEEG after a course of TMS to track changes in brain function, giving both you and your clinician objective feedback on treatment progress.
Advantages of qEEG Before TMS: Beyond Personalisation
Even if you’re just starting to explore treatment options, a qEEG assessment offers many standalone benefits:
✅ Understand the Root Cause of Your Symptoms
Instead of relying only on verbal reports and questionnaires, qEEG shows how your brain is functioning, giving you a deeper insight into the neurological basis of your condition.
✅ Visualise Your Brain’s Activity
Many clients feel empowered seeing their brain map. It helps demystify mental health conditions and reduces stigma, because it’s not “just in your head,” it’s in your brain physiology.
✅ Decide If TMS Is Right for You
Not everyone needs the same neuromodulation strategy. qEEG can help determine whether TMS is likely to be effective, or if other interventions (e.g., neurofeedback or cognitive strategies) should be considered alongside it.
Who Should Consider qEEG Brain Mapping with TMS?
Individuals with treatment-resistant depression
Clients seeking non-medication-based approaches
Those with complex or unclear diagnoses
People interested in optimising cognitive performance
Anyone seeking more clarity before beginning TMS therapy
What Does the Process Look Like?
Initial Consultation – We learn about your history, symptoms, and treatment goals.
qEEG Session – A relaxed, 30–45 minute recording session.
Data Analysis – We compare your results to a normative brain database.
Report & Interpretation – You receive a personalised brain map report and clinical explanation.
Treatment Plan – We build a bespoke TMS protocol based on your brain data and symptoms.
The Future of Mental Health Is Personalised
Mental health should never be one-size-fits-all. With qEEG-guided TMS, we bring neuroscience into the heart of treatment, offering a more accurate, more effective, and more empowering approach to recovery.
If you’re considering TMS or want to understand your brain better, a qEEG assessment is the most valuable first step you can take.
Book Your Brain Mapping Assessment Today
Located in Central London, our clinic offers qEEG brain mapping and personalised TMS therapy in a peaceful, professional setting.
📞 Contact us to schedule your assessment or learn how brain mapping can support your recovery.
