iSync EEG Recording Instructions

This guide will walk you through how to take an EEG scan using the iSyncWave device, either on yourself or on another person. Below, you will find important pre-scan recommendations followed by step-by-step instructions to ensure you capture accurate, high-quality data.

Pre-Scan Recommendations

Alcohol and Substances:

• No alcohol for at least 24 hours before the scan.

• No THC/CBD for 3–14 days, depending on usage frequency.

• No illicit drugs for at least 3 days or until fully cleared from the system.

Diet and Medications:

• Avoid caffeine the morning of the scan.

• Eat a full, balanced breakfast on the day of the recording.

• Continue prescribed medications unless advised by a doctor; note all medications on the EEG report.

Physical Preparation:

• Wash hair and scalp; avoid gels, sprays, or oils.

• Remove jewelry, especially earrings and necklaces.

• Remove mobile phones and all electronics from the person being scanned.

• Ideally, wear glasses instead of contacts.

Timing and Environment:

• Schedule scans in the morning when the person is most alert.

• Set up in a quiet, cool, low-EMF room.

• Use a slightly reclined position with a neck pillow (if needed) to ease helmet weight — but ensure the helmet does not touch chair backs or pillows.

Step 1: Prepare the Person and Device

• Remove glasses, earrings, necklaces.

• Use NuPrep with an alcohol wipe to clean two key areas:

  • Center of forehead (ground electrode site).

  • Behind left ear (reference electrode site).

  • Optionally, prep behind both ears.

• Scrub the sites well but wipe away any residue.

• Explain that they should sit still, stay awake, look slightly downward, and minimize eye movement and blinking during the scan.

Step 2: Set Up the Helmet and Earclips

• Attach earclips:

  • Left ear → Reference.

  • Right ear → HRV (if applicable).

• Adjust helmet electrodes:

  • Use the adjustment tool (or fingers) to extend electrodes ~0.5 cm if needed.

  • For unique head shapes, fine-tune after placing the helmet.

• Fit the helmet:

  • Stand behind the person, hold sides, and apply front-to-back like a swim cap.

  • Position one finger-width above the eyebrows.

  • Check for alignment; adjust if lopsided.

  • Secure the chinstrap for device stability.

Step 3: Set Up the Tablet and App

• On the tablet:

  • Go to Settings → iSyncWave Setting → Preset Management.

  • Check relevant boxes (EEG, HRV, PBM as needed).

• Start EEG Measurement → New.

  • Enter client info (do not use real name; create an ID).

  • Phone number is required but unused (you can enter a placeholder).

  • Accurately enter sex, birthdate, handedness — these are key for normative comparison.

• Have the person sign the privacy statement.

Step 4: Optimize Signal Quality

• Begin the impedance check (takes ~30 seconds).

• Adjust helmet pressure, part hair with the brush or fingers, and as a last resort, lightly dampen the scalp under stubborn electrodes with saline on a cotton swab.

• Aim for all green channels; some yellow is acceptable.

• Keep in mind:

  • Time improves signal — mild sweating helps.

  • Muscle tension (clenching, blinking) and room movement can create artifacts.

  • If all channels are bad, check the ground and reference.

Step 5: Conduct the Recording

• Select recording type:

  • For long scans → Continuous mode (20 minutes).

  • For short scans → 4 minutes Eyes Closed (EC) + 4 minutes Eyes Open (EO).

• Enable HRV if applicable.

• Set the correct notch filter.

• Start recording:

  • Press the red circle to begin.

  • Monitor signal (use gain/zoom as needed).

  • Show how to check HRV or switch between EO/EC (if continuous).

• Ensure:

  • The person stays awake, keeps still, minimizes eye movement (even EC), and looks downward during EO.

  • Provide a small object to focus on during EO if needed.

• To end, press the square stop button (if applicable).

Step 6: End the Session

• Click through the next pages to ensure data saved; you should see “measurement complete.”

• Remove:

  • Chinstrap.

  • Earclips.

  • Helmet (lift back-to-front, holding sides).

• Clean:

  • Use alcohol and the brush to clean helmet contact points.

  • Remove earclips before storing the device.

Step 7: Review Results

• Some immediate results (HRV, MCI, summary) display on the tablet.

• For full reports, log into the iMediSync portal; use the sidebar to access specific reports.