You can usually go home soon after the test is finished and return to your normal activities. You might feel tired after the test, particularly if you had a sleep or sleep-deprived EEG, so you may want someone to pick you up from hospital. You normally will not get your results on the same day. The recordings will need to be analysed first and will be sent to the doctor who requested the test.
They can discuss the results with you a few days or weeks later. The EEG procedure is painless, comfortable and generally very safe. No electricity is put into your body while it's carried out. Apart from having messy hair and possibly feeling a bit tired, you normally will not experience any side effects.
However, you may feel lightheaded and notice a tingling in your lips and fingers for a few minutes during the hyperventilation part of the test. Some people develop a mild rash where the electrodes were attached. If you have epilepsy, there's a very small risk you could have a seizure while the test is carried out, but you'll be closely monitored and help will be on hand in case this happens.
Page last reviewed: 18 July Next review due: 18 July Electroencephalogram EEG. An electroencephalogram EEG is a recording of brain activity.
Preparing for an EEG Your appointment letter will mention anything you need to do to prepare for the test. Media last reviewed: 15 August Media review due: 15 August The electroencephalogram EEG is a medical test used to measure the electrical activity of the brain, via electrodes applied to your scalp.
This procedure is completely painless and can be performed without shaving any of your hair. EEG can help diagnose a number of conditions, including epilepsy, sleep disorders and brain tumours.
Another name for EEG is brain wave test. Normal brain waves occur at a rate of up to 30 per second, but in someone with epilepsy, for example, the EEG may show bursts of abnormal discharges in the form of spikes and sharp wave patterns. Suspected epilepsy is the most common reason for an EEG. Other conditions that may be diagnosed with the aid of an EEG include:. An abnormal EEG doesn't automatically mean that you, for example, have epilepsy.
The EEGs of babies and young children can often record irregular patterns that don't mean anything, or the irregularities may flag previously diagnosed neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy. On the other hand, a normal EEG doesn't rule out epilepsy either. Sometimes, a person with epilepsy will only display abnormal brain waves during a seizure.
Your hair must be thoroughly clean, but most importantly dry. A number of electrodes are applied to your scalp generally between 8 and 23, depending on the condition under investigation. A gel may be applied to help the electrodes to stick firmly in place and improve recordings. You will need to lie quietly to avoid any electrical interference from muscle contractions. Sometimes, you may be asked by the doctor to open and close your eyes and to breathe heavily.
Lights may be flashed before your eyes. An EEG usually takes from 30 to 60 minutes to complete. Sometimes, a sleep recording is also required. If the patient is a baby or young child, it helps if the parents delay the child's nap until the time of the EEG. Sedatives medications to help sleep may be needed if sleep won't come naturally during the test. Some EEG testing centres may record a video of your tests to help with diagnosis. Once the test is complete, the electrodes are removed and you are allowed to get up.
The results need to be analysed at a later stage by a neurologist a doctor who specialises in brain disorders. Generally, if there is no abnormality to the brain's electrical activity, the pattern of 'peaks and valleys' charted by the EEG should be fairly regular. If you do get a seizure, your healthcare provider will treat it immediately. Other risks may be present, depending on your specific medical condition.
Be sure to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure. Ask your healthcare provider to tell you what you should do before your test. Below is a list of common steps that you may be asked to do. An EEG may be done on an outpatient basis, or as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare provider's practices.
Talk with your healthcare provider about what you will experience during your test. Once the test is completed, the electrodes will be removed and the electrode paste will be washed off with warm water, acetone, or witch hazel. In some cases, you may need to wash your hair again at home. If you took any sedatives for the test, you may be required to rest until the sedatives have worn off. You will need to have someone drive you home.
Skin irritation or redness may be present at the locations where the electrodes were placed, but this will wear off in a few hours. Your healthcare provider will inform you when you may resume any medicines you stopped taking before the test. Your healthcare provider may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation.
Health Home Treatments, Tests and Therapies. Why might I need an EEG? There may be other reasons for your healthcare provider to recommend an EEG. What are the risks of an EEG? Certain factors or conditions may interfere with the reading of an EEG test. These include: Low blood sugar hypoglycemia caused by fasting Body or eye movement during the tests but this will rarely, if ever, significantly interfere with the interpretation of the test Lights, especially bright or flashing ones Certain medicines, such as sedatives Drinks containing caffeine, such as coffee, cola, and tea while these drinks can occasionally alter the EEG results, this almost never interferes significantly with the interpretation of the test Oily hair or the presence of hair spray How do I get ready for an EEG?
Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you and you can ask questions. You will be asked to sign a consent form that gives your permission to do the procedure.
Read the form carefully and ask questions if something is not clear.
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