CNS Response: The key to informed mental health treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

Prescriber FAQ's

What is rEEG^®?

Referenced-EEG (rEEG^®) a broad-based system of CNS physiologic markers used to guide treatment of behavioral and addictive illness. rEEG^® has shown that medication selection based upon objective physiology can help treat many of the most treatment resistant patients. In many ways this process is analogous to use of EKG to guide treatment of another electrical organ, the heart.

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How effective is rEEG^®?

After collecting a clinical database the first nine years to derive empirical correlations amongst the 1142 EEG variables, rEEG^® has demonstrated approximately 75% rate of clinic success in approximately 3000 patients over the last eight years. Success was defined by an improvement of 2 or more in physician rated CGI score. Similar success rates have also been reported in retrospective and prospective controlled studies, an ongoing program at an in-patient eating disorders facility, a pilot program with a large managed behavioral health organization (70% success rate on treatment-resistant patients) and reported by users in Colorado, California, Georgia, Massachusetts and Washington.

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What types of patients are appropriate for rEEG^®?

rEEG^® is a useful guide in all psychiatric and addiction patients, regardless of their diagnosis, except primary psychosis. Though the treatment database does not currently account for patients with primary psychotic disorders, or contain the antipsychotic medications, a future study is expected to address these patients. rEEG^® has been most frequently used in patients with depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, ADHD, eating disorders, and substance abuse disorders.

rEEG^® is especially appropriate for patients with:

• Diagnostic dilemmas that make medication choices uncertain including dual diagnosis addiction
• Insufficient improvement with previous medication efforts
• Medication intolerance
• High risk for hospitalization or relapse

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How does the rEEG^® service work?

A Quantitative EEG (QEEG) must first be collected and sent to CNS Response for analysis. The resulting rEEG^® report is then sent directly to the treating physician. It indicates probable success of medications, both individually and by class specifically for the tested patient. This Type I report is formatted much like an antibiotic sensitivity report. A second, post treatment Type II test can also be conducted to refine dosing and identify additional medication selections. Further consultation is available upon request.

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How do I obtain an rEEG^® report?

CNS Response has identified a number of independent EEG technicians and can facilitate appointments. The process is about 40 minutes, peaceful and painless for the patient. At testing, patients must generally be off of any medications (including supplements) for a period of five half-lives. Alcohol must be stopped for two days, nicotine ten hours, caffeine fifteen hours. Consultation is available to help with this process.

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Patient FAQ's

Should I do anything special before the test?

Get a good night's sleep the evening before. On the morning of the test wash your hair thoroughly. Do not use cream rinse or conditioner, 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.

- No coffee or tea for 15 hours prior to the test.
- Do not smoke or chew tobacco for 10 hours prior to the test.

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What is an EEG?

EEG is short for "electroencephalogram" and refers to recording the electrical activity of the brain. EEG is a standard medical diagnostic procedure available in most hospitals and clinics around the world generally used to evaluate epileptic seizures. The EEG is a measure of brain function, or physiology, rather than a measure of brain structure, or anatomy, like the MRI scan.

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Will I be injected with anything?

No. The EEG recording is completely non-invasive.

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What is the rEEG^® testing process?

The rEEG^® process starts with having an EEG, which measures the electrical activity generated by your brain. Electrodes will be placed on your head to record this activity. You will be asked to close your eyes, but stay awake and minimize your muscle movements for 20 minutes. That's it! EEG is a completely safe procedure that has been in use by physicians since the 1920's.

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What about medications?

Follow your physician's instructions and record them on the back of this brochure. You may need to discontinue some or all medications. Unless instructed by your physician, do not take any over the counter medications; i.e. aspirin, antihistamines, ibuprofen, Tylenol, nasal sprays, cough medicine, allergy medication, analgesics, herbs, food supplements, amino acids, etc.

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Does it hurt?

No. There is no sensation of any kind.

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For other questions, please call your physician's office.

If you forget and take any medications, street drugs (by any means) or alcohol, the test will need to be cancelled. There may be a cancellation charge.

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Will my head be shaved?

No.

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Will I be shocked by the electrodes?

No. The instrument only reads your brain's electrical activity.

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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.

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How long will it take?

Approximately 45 minutes.

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