Brain Waive Testing (rEEG)
Frequently Asked Questions

Reprinted from CNS Response patient brochure

How Does rEEG Work?
The rEEG process starts with you having an EEG which measures the electrical activity generated by your brain. EEG is a completely safe procedure that has been in use by physicians since the 1920’s. Your EEG is then compared to a reference database of other EEGs. The rEEG database is a collection of information containing the responses to medications of more than 2,000 patients. By comparing your EEG to patients in the database with similar findings, CNS Response can give your doctor a report on what medications other people have taken to help them get better.

Does it hurt?
No, the procedure is completely painless.

Who will do the test?
An experienced EEG technician will perform the test.

Will my head be shaved?
No!

Will I be shocked by the electrodes?
No!

Will I be injected with anything?
No! The EEG recording is completely non-invasive.

May I eat before the test?
Yes. You should limit fluid intake 2 hours before the test. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL FOR 3 DAYS PRIOR TO THE TEST.

How long will it take?
Approximately 45 minutes. The length of the test depends on how still and alert you can remain during testing.

Should I do anything special before the test?
Have a good night’s sleep the evening before. On the morning of the test wash your hair thoroughly. DO NOT USE CRÈME RINSE OR CONDITIONER. DO NOT USE HAIR SPRAY, MOUSSE, ETC. These products will make the scalp slick and the electrodes will not stick. Dry your hair completely and do not braid it. Limit caffeine intake to one cup of coffee or tea and do not smoke tobacco.

What about medications?
Follow your doctor’s instructions. He may want you to discontinue some or all medications. Do not take any over the counter medications such as aspirin, antihistamines, ibuprofen, Tylenol, nasal sprays, cough medicine, allergy medication, analgesics, herbs, neutraceuticals, food supplements, amino acids, or other related products. If you are in doubt please call your doctor’s office.

Also, do not take any street drugs by any means (smoke, injection, orally, etc.). If you do, the test will need to be cancelled.

Do I sleep in the test?

The test requires that you remain awake and alert, therefore you should try to have a good night’s sleep the night before the exam.

May I eat before the test?

Yes. You should limit fluid intake 2 hours before the test. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL FOR 3 DAYS PRIOR TO THE TEST.

Should I do anything special before the test?

Have a good night’s sleep the evening before. On the morning of the test wash your hair thoroughly use NO CRÈME RINSE OR CONDITIONERS. DO NOT USE HAIR SPRAY, MOUSSE, ETC. These products will make the scalp slick and the electrodes will not stick. Dry your hair completely and, ladies, do not braid it. Limit caffeine intake to 1 cup of coffee or tea. Do not smoke tobacco.

What about medications?

Do not take any prescribed medication(s) as per the doctor’s instruction(s). Do not take any over the counter medications, i.e. aspirin, antihistamines, ibuprofen, Tylenol, nasal sprays, cough medicine, allergy medication, analgesics, herbs, neutraceuticals, food supplements, amino acids, etc. IF YOU ARE IN DOUBT, PLEASE SPEAK WITH YOUR BROOKSIDE INSTITUTE TREATMENT TEAM.

Will I be injected with anything?

No. The EEG recording is completely non-invasive.

The brain wave recording process may require the use of a mild abrasive gel or witch hazel to clean the skin. Non-toxic electrode gel or cream will be applied to an ear clip to improve the quality of the recording. A sensor will then be pressed to your forehead or other scalp sites, and held there with a wax paste. A second sensor will be clipped to your ear, as mentioned above. A third sensor will be placed either at the back of your neck or at the base of your thumb. The sensor leads or wires connect to a computer for analysis

During the sessions you will be asked to sit quietly. Your brain can detect the feedback. The speed of the feedback will be controlled by the signals picked up at the scalp.