Electroencephalogram

Why is this procedure done?

An electroencephalogram is a test done to look at your brains electrical activity. It is also known as an EEG. It gives details about your brain. It looks at brain wave patterns. This test helps your doctor learn about your brain and any problems you may have. Your doctor may be looking for: ‚

Seizures
Coma
Alzheimer's disease or dementia
Brain death
Confusion
Sleep disorders
Tumors
Head injuries
Memory problems
Narcolepsy

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What will the results be?

The results will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your brain. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚

What happens before the procedure?

Talk to your doctor about all the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you. Some drugs may affect the test results.
Do not eat or drink anything with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, soda, or chocolate, 12 hours before the test.
Do not take any sleeping aids, tranquilizers, sedatives, or muscle relaxers before the test.
Wash your hair before the test and do not use any hair care products until the test is over. Be sure you have shampoo to wash your hair when you get home after the test.
You may be asked to not sleep the night before your test, or get a minimum of only 4 to 5 hours of sleep.

What happens during the procedure?

You will be asked to lie on a bed or sit on a chair.
You may be asked to lie still and not talk.
You may be asked to breathe deep and fast, look at a strobe light, or sleep.
The staff will ask you to close your eyes and relax during the test. They will attach 16 to 20 small, sticky patches on your scalp. These are called electrodes.
The electrodes are connected to a machine. It records your brains electric signals. These are printed on paper for the doctor to see. They may also be seen on a small screen.
You may be asked to breathe fast and deeply during the test.
This test does not hurt. It may take about 1 hour. Sometimes, this test is done when you are asleep. The sleep EEG lasts about 2 to 3 hours.
You may be asked to go home with an EEG monitor. You will wear the monitor for 24 hours to test how your brain works when you are active during the day.

What happens after the procedure?

The staff will take off the electrodes.
Ask your doctor when you can start taking any drugs you take again.
You may go home after the test.

What care is needed at home?

Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you understand everything the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do. ‚

What follow-up care is needed?

Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Ask your doctor when you will talk about the test results. ‚

What problems could happen?

If you have a seizure disorder, this test may trigger a seizure attack.
It may take a few hair washings to remove all the sticky gel from your hair.

Where can I learn more?

KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/sick/eeg.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/eeg/pages/introduction.aspx ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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