Use of Quantitative EEG for the Diagnosis of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Patient Guideline Summary

Publication Date: June 30, 2021

Last Updated: March 2, 2023

Objective

This patient summary means to discuss key recommendations from the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society (ACNS) for the use of quantitative EEG for the diagnosis of mild traumatic brain injury. It is limited to adults 18 years of age and older and should not be used as a reference for children.

Overview

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a recording of the electrical activity of the brain. Although it is useful to diagnose seizure disorders, its use to diagnose other abnormalities of the brain has generally not proved successful.

This guideline summarizes efforts to use computer algorithms to read EEGs more precisely in the diagnosis of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The computerized reading of EEGs is called quantitative EEG (qEEG).

Diagnosis

qEEG has not yet demonstrated clinically useful improvement over human interpretation to diagnose mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
qEEG, therefore, remains an investigational tool needing further research before widespread use.

Abbreviations

ACNS: American Clinical Neurophysiology Society
EEG: Electroencephalogram
mTBI: Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
qEEG: Quantitative EEG

Source Citation

Tenney JR, Gloss D, Arya R, Kaplan PW, Lesser R, Sexton V, Nuwer M. Practice Guideline: Use of Quantitative EEG for the Diagnosis of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Report of the Guideline Committee of the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society. J Clin Neurophysiol. 2021 Jul 1;38(4):287-292. doi: 10.1097/WNP.0000000000000853. PMID: 34038930.

Disclaimer

The information in this patient summary should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.