Electroencephalogram (EEG)


An EEG records the electrical activity of the brain through an array of electrodes placed on the patient's scalp.  The test is non-invasive and painless.   An EEG typically takes 60 – 90 minutes.

Physicians may also want to observe brain patterns that occur during sleep. For this purpose the patient may be scheduled for a Sleep Deprived EEG or an Ambulatory EEG.

The Sleep Deprived EEG requires that the patient stay awake most of the night prior to the testing.  It is recommended for someone to drive you for your appointment.

To prepare for an EEG:

  • Have clean dry hair.  Do not use any hair products such as sprays, gels, mousse, etc.  No braids, weaves, extensions, ponytails or hairpieces
     
  • Avoid anything with caffeine on the day of the test, because caffeine can affect the test results.
     
  • Take your usual medications unless instructed otherwise.
     
  • If you are having a sleep deprived EEG, instructions will be given as to how long you need to stay awake the night before the test.

Here are some things you can expect to happen during a Routine or Sleep Deprived EEG:

  • A technician measures your head and marks your scalp with a special pencil, to indicate where to attach the electrodes. Those spots on your scalp will be scrubbed with an exfoliate gel to improve the quality of the recording.
     
  • A technician attaches small, flat, round metal sensors (electrodes) to your scalp using a special conductive paste. The electrodes are connected with wires to an instrument that displays the brain waves and records them on computer equipment.
     
  • You relax in a comfortable position with your eyes closed during the test. At various times, the technician may ask you to open and close your eyes, breathe deeply (hyperventilate) for a few minutes or be shown a strobe light that flashes at various frequencies.
     

After the test

After the test, the technician removes the electrodes and uses a wet cloth to remove some of the paste and pencil markings.  The remaining paste and pencil marks can be easily removed by washing your hair with shampoo.

Ambulatory EEG

An ambulatory electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that measures and records the electrical activity in your brain. Unlike an EEG, an ambulatory EEG allows an extended recording in a patient's home. The patient is able to move around and is not required to stay in the hospital for the recording.  Set-up for your Ambulatory EEG is approximately 60 minutes.  Allow 30 minutes to have it removed.

To prepare for Ambulatory EEG

  • Arrive for your appointment freshly bathed as you will not be able to shower/bathe while you’re being monitored – only sponge type baths are allowed
     
  • Have clean dry hair.  Do not use any hair products such as sprays, gels, mousse, etc.  No braids, weaves, extensions, ponytails or hairpieces
     
  • Wear a button down or zipper shirt as you won’t be able to pull anything over your head while you’re being monitored.  If you do not wish to have the monitor directly on your skin, please wear a light weight tank top or T-Shirt that you can leave on throughout your entire test.
     
  • Your head will be wrapped with gauze which can be covered by a scarf, loose fitting cap or hat if you would like to bring one with you.
     
  • Take your usual medications unless instructed otherwise.
     
  • Limit your caffeine intake

Here are some things you can expect to happen during the setup of the Ambulatory EEG:

  • A technician measures your head and marks your scalp with a special pencil, to indicate where to attach the electrodes. Those spots on your scalp will be scrubbed with an exfoliate gel to improve the quality of the recording.
     
  • A technician attaches small, flat, round metal sensors (electrodes) to your scalp using a special conductive paste. The electrodes are connected with wires to an instrument that displays the brain waves and records them on computer equipment.
     
  • Your head will be wrapped in gauze to help with keeping the electrodes in place while at home.   You will also wear a belt like strap with a small pocket attached to it to hold the device that the wires are connected to.
     
  • Your technician will review your instructions for home and answer any questions you may have. 
     
  • The length of you test (24, 48 or 72 hours) is determined by your physician.

For further questions regarding your EEG testing please contact us at 580-7653