Attention Testing in Sterling Heights, Michigan

Diagnosing ADHD requires several steps; there is no single questionnaire or quick check that can make the diagnosis. At the Sleep & Attention Disorders Institute, we combine clinical evaluation with FDA‑approved EEG‑based testing to measure how the brain handles attention.

Step 1: Clinical Evaluation

We start with a detailed evaluation that may include:

• A history of symptoms at home, work, and school.
• ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
• Review of childhood history (for adults) to confirm that symptoms began in childhood.

This step helps determine whether your symptoms fit the pattern of ADD/ADHD and whether additional testing is appropriate.

Step 2: EEG‑Based Attention Testing

We then use a full 32‑channel EEG (electroencephalogram) system to record the brain’s electrical activity during rest and attention tasks.

• A comfortable cap with many sensors is placed on your head; sensors do not go through the skin.
• We record the EEG with eyes open, eyes closed, and during deep and rapid breathing.
• The EEG is painless, and the entire attention testing process takes less than two hours.

During testing, we use:

• Auditory tasks: Two tones are played—a frequent low‑pitch sound and a rare high‑pitch sound. You press a button when you hear the rare sound.
• Visual tasks: Two letters are shown—one common, one rare. You press a button when the rare letter appears.

These tasks require sustained attention and allow us to see how your brain responds to important versus routine information.

After recording, we perform a digital analysis of the EEG and generate EEG brain maps. These maps show how different areas of your brain function during attention tasks.

Key elements we measure include:

• Faster waves (beta‑1): Reflect active attention and focus.
• Slower waves (theta): Reflect drowsiness and reduced alertness.

The FDA has approved a test based on theta and beta waves to help confirm attention deficit (ADD/ADHD). Our published research suggests that beta‑1 waves over the speech area are even better at confirming attention deficit.

P300 Brain Waves and Predicting Medication Response

During attention tasks, the brain generates a large wave shortly after each rare tone or letter—this is the P300.
At our sleep and attention clinic, we:

• Record P300 responses for both sounds (auditory) and letters (visual).
• Create auditory and visual P300 brain maps.
• Use these maps to help predict which ADHD medication is most likely to work best for which patient.

We have published several papers showing that auditory and visual P300 patterns can guide medication choice, reducing frustrating trial‑and‑error.

Screening for Seizures and Other Conditions

The EEG, especially during deep and rapid breathing, also lets us check for seizure patterns. Some seizure disorders can cause attention and memory problems that look like ADD/ADHD, so identifying them is crucial before starting stimulant medication.

Many patients worry that attention testing will be uncomfortable or stressful; in reality, the process is straightforward and well‑tolerated. You can expect:

• A friendly welcome and clear explanation of every step from our experienced staff.
• A cap with sensors placed on your head—no needles or painful procedures.
• Simple attention tasks with sounds and letters presented on a screen.
• Breaks as needed; the full process usually takes under two hours.

Our staff members are experienced and understand that people with attention disorders may already feel frustrated, anxious, or discouraged. The Sleep & Attention Disorders Institute in Sterling Heights is designed to be inviting and comfortable for both children and adults.

After your evaluation and EEG‑based attention testing, we will:

• Confirm whether attention deficit (ADD/ADHD) is present.
• Identify or rule out other conditions that might be causing attention problems.
• Discuss treatment options, including both stimulant and non‑stimulant medications, as well as behavioral and organizational strategies.

We do not automatically put everyone on stimulant medications. Instead, we use the EEG and P300 brain maps to help choose the medicine that is most likely to work best for you or your child, and we adjust treatment based on your response and goals.

Our mission is to provide personalized attention, testing, and treatment so you can function better at school, at work, at home, and in relationships.