A quantitative electroencephalogram, or qEEG, analyzes electrical activity recorded from the scalp. Often called brain mapping, this type of assessment organizes brainwave information for a clinician to consider alongside your symptoms, history, and other findings.
This opens our appointment-request form. Your appointment is arranged after the office reviews your request; submitting the form does not reserve a time.
What can the assessment add?
Firefly technology supports measurement and analysis of brain activity. Depending on the system and protocol, an assessment may include resting recordings and responses during simple tasks. A report can add information to a clinical discussion; it does not replace a psychiatric evaluation or explain every symptom by itself.
Who should consider it?
If you have questions about attention, cognition, mood, or treatment response, first discuss what specific question testing would help answer. Not everyone needs a qEEG. The important decision is whether the result is likely to add useful information to your care, not simply whether a test is available.
Before your appointment
Ask the office to confirm the exact Firefly system, test components, recording location, total appointment time, and who will interpret the results. Follow the clinic's preparation instructions for hair products, sleep, caffeine, and medicines. Do not stop or change prescribed medication unless your treating clinician instructs you to do so.
During and after a recording
Scalp sensors record electrical signals; qEEG is an assessment, not a treatment that delivers TMS or CES stimulation. You may be asked to sit quietly or complete tasks. The recording process and any practical preparation should be explained before the appointment.
After analysis, ask for a discussion of the findings, their limitations, and whether they change any next steps. Confirm when results will be available and whether a separate review visit is included. Do not interpret a color map or numerical score as a diagnosis on its own.
Cost and decisions to clarify first
The fee can depend on the recording, analysis, report, interpretation, and follow-up included. Ask for an itemized estimate and whether your plan covers the proposed test. Insurance coverage and the clinical usefulness of a test are separate questions.
Firefly qEEG questions
Can a brain map diagnose ADHD or depression by itself?
No single qEEG result should be treated as a stand-alone diagnosis. Symptoms, medical history, clinical assessment, and other appropriate information still matter.
Will the report identify the exact medication I need?
Do not expect a guaranteed medication match. Ask how the clinician would use the findings and what uncertainty remains before deciding to test.
Is qEEG the same as an MRI or neurofeedback?
No. An MRI produces structural images, while qEEG analyzes recorded electrical activity. Neurofeedback is a separate intervention; a qEEG assessment does not itself mean you are receiving neurofeedback.
Care at TMS of Austin
Our practice is led by founder and medical director Ramon Aragon, MD, FAPA. Psychiatric consultations, medication management, psychotherapy, and specialized services give you several options to discuss within one practice. Our offices are in South Austin and North Central Austin; confirm the provider, service location, and availability with the office.
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For immediate danger, call 911. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Website requests are not emergency care.
Information sources
Firefly Neuroscience: assessment FAQs
Firefly Neuroscience: technology overview
Updated October 14, 2026. This information supports a conversation with your clinician and is not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation.