Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG) in the Measurement of PTSD: An Evaluation of Evoke Neuroscience’s Contributions

Abstract Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition affecting millions globally, including veterans and trauma survivors. Traditional diagnostic methods often rely on subjective self-reports, potentially missing the neurobiological components of the disorder. Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG) has gained recognition as a useful tool to evaluate the neurological underpinnings of PTSD. Evoke Neuroscience has been pivotal in advancing QEEG technology for understanding brain function in PTSD patients. This paper explores QEEG’s principles, its relation to PTSD, and Evoke Neuroscience’s role in enhancing the clinical application of QEEG for diagnosing and treating PTSD. Tactical Resiliency USA with Healing the Hero USA (501 Cm3) will be conducting a Randomized Control Trial (RCT) evaluating the efficacy of The Trauma Resiliency Protocol-Peer Rescue using QEEG pre and post treatment to be published by Arizona State University with an Institutional Review Board (IRB).

Keywords: PTSD, QEEG, brainwave patterns, Evoke Neuroscience, neurofeedback, neurological PTSD markers, quantitative EEG

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Overview of QEEG Technology

3. PTSD and Neurobiology of Trauma

4. Evoke Neuroscience’s Contributions to PTSD Research

5. The Future of QEEG in PTSD Diagnosis and Treatment

6. Conclusion

Introduction

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects individuals exposed to severe trauma, resulting in symptoms like flashbacks, hyperarousal, and avoidance behaviors (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). The neurobiological mechanisms underlying PTSD remain complex and are not fully understood, despite substantial research. Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG) offers a promising tool for investigating these mechanisms.

QEEG, a form of advanced Electroencephalography (EEG), quantifies brainwave activity and compares it to normative databases, allowing clinicians to identify abnormalities (Bermudes, 2020). This technology has transformed how clinicians assess PTSD, moving beyond subjective diagnostic methods. Evoke Neuroscience is a key player in developing QEEG technologies, providing clinicians with more objective tools for PTSD diagnosis and treatment.

2. Overview of QEEG Technology

2.1 EEG and QEEG Fundamentals

Electroencephalography (EEG) measures electrical activity in the brain, capturing brainwaves across five frequency bands: Delta (1-4 Hz), Theta (4-8 Hz), Alpha (8-12 Hz), Beta (12-30 Hz), and Gamma (>30 Hz) (Niedermeyer & da Silva, 2005). EEG has traditionally been used to diagnose neurological conditions like epilepsy and sleep disorders (Fisch, 1999).

Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG) enhances traditional EEG by applying statistical algorithms to EEG data, allowing for a detailed comparison to normative brainwave patterns (Thatcher, 2010). It has proven useful in assessing cognitive and psychiatric conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety (Hammond, 2010).

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2.2 QEEG in Clinical Practice

QEEG is increasingly used in clinical settings due to its ability to offer objective data on brain function. By comparing brainwave patterns to normative databases, clinicians can detect deviations that may indicate PTSD (Russell et al., 2016). For example, increased beta wave activity in PTSD patients correlates with symptoms of hypervigilance, while decreased alpha activity is associated with emotional dysregulation (Williams et al., 2020).

Evoke Neuroscience’s contributions have allowed for the integration of QEEG into treatment protocols, such as neurofeedback, providing patients with more personalized care options (Evoke Neuroscience, 2021).

3. PTSD and the Neurobiology of Trauma

3.1 Neurophysiological Changes in PTSD

PTSD significantly affects brain regions involved in fear, stress, and memory processing, including the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. Research shows that PTSD is associated with hyperactivity in the amygdala and hypoactivity in the prefrontal cortex, which impairs emotional regulation (Shin & Liberzon, 2010). The hippocampus often shows reduced volume in PTSD patients, contributing to memory-related symptoms like flashbacks (Smith, 2005).

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3.2 QEEG and PTSD: Brainwave Abnormalities

QEEG studies in PTSD populations have identified characteristic brainwave patterns. These include increased beta activity linked to hypervigilance and decreased alpha activity associated with emotional dysregulation (Russell et al., 2016). Theta abnormalities in regions like the hippocampus are also common, reflecting memory processing issues (Shin & Liberzon, 2010).

4. Evoke Neuroscience’s Contributions to PTSD Research

4.1 The eVox® System

Evoke Neuroscience has pioneered the use of QEEG with its eVox® System, which integrates brainwave measurements with heart rate variability (HRV) and cognitive assessments. This system allows clinicians to tailor interventions based on objective data (Evoke Neuroscience, 2021).

4.2 QEEG Studies in PTSD Populations

Evoke Neuroscience’s research has reinforced the diagnostic value of QEEG in PTSD. Studies show distinctive beta and theta wave deviations in PTSD patients, validating the technology’s potential as a biomarker for PTSD (Williams et al., 2020).

4.3 Treatment Implications

QEEG’s objective data enables the use of neurofeedback to treat PTSD. Neurofeedback helps patients regulate brainwave patterns, reducing symptoms like hypervigilance and emotional dysregulation (van der Kolk, 2014).

5. The Future of QEEG in PTSD Diagnosis and Treatment

5.1 Advancements in Neuroimaging Technology

The future of QEEG lies in integrating it with other neuroimaging modalities, such as functional MRI (fMRI). Real-time brainwave monitoring may enhance the accuracy of PTSD diagnosis and treatment (Thatcher et al., 2005).

5.2 Integration with Other Modalities

Evoke Neuroscience is exploring QEEG’s integration with HRV and Electrocardiography (ECG) to provide a holistic view of PTSD’s impact on the brain and body (Evoke Neuroscience, 2021).

6. Conclusion

Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG) offers groundbreaking potential for objectively diagnosing and treating PTSD. Evoke Neuroscience’s contributions to the field have significantly advanced the clinical applications of QEEG, offering clinicians a reliable tool for personalized treatment approaches. As neuroimaging technologies evolve, the role of QEEG in PTSD care will continue to grow, enhancing clinical outcomes.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).

Bermudes, R. (2020). Quantitative EEG in PTSD: Implications for diagnosis and treatment. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 33(2), 133-145.

Evoke Neuroscience. (2021). The eVox® System: Clinical applications for PTSD assessment and treatment.

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Niedermeyer, E., & da Silva, F. L. (2005). Electroencephalography: Basic principles, clinical applications, and related fields. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Russell, M. C., Figley, C. R., & Wiese, L. (2016). The neurobiological impact of trauma: A QEEG study of PTSD. Traumatology, 22(1), 1-10.

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Smith, M. E. (2005). Bilateral hippocampal volume reduction in adults with post-traumatic stress disorder: A meta-analysis of structural MRI studies. Hippocampus, 15(6), 798-807.

Thatcher, R. W. (2010). Validity and reliability of quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG). Journal of Neurotherapy, 14(2), 122-152.

van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking.

Williams, L. M., Liddell, B. J., Kemp, A. H., & Bryant, R. A. (2020). Brain wave activity in PTSD: QEEG patterns and clinical outcomes. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 35(3), 705-720.