EEG is short for Electroencephalogram -
Electro (Electrical), Encephalo (Brain) and Gram (Graph).
An Electroencephalogram is a graphic record of brain wave activity. It provides important diagnostic data about abnormal electrical activity of the brain. It is a non-invasive procedure which is useful in the evaluation of epilepsy, head trauma, headaches, brain tumor, cerebral vascular accident (stroke), metabolic and infectious diseases.
The EEG is also helpful in the diagnosis of sleep disorders, cerebral death, congenital and developmental disorders and organic causes of psychiatric problems. The EEG test is different from other tests because it shows brain function rather than structural anatomy.
Some brain wave patterns seen during recording:
Delta waves: Seen in sleep, infants or brain abnormality
Theta waves: Seen in children, drowsiness in adults or brain abnormality
Alpha waves: Seen when awake and relaxed
Beta waves: Seen when mentally Active, on medication or when not relaxed
With the patient seated or lying down, the scalp is measured and marked to determine specific points of electrode application. These points are then cleansed with a Prep Gel. The electrodes are covered
with a special Electrolyte Conductive Gel or paste and attached to the marked areas of the scalp.
These are connected to a computerized machine that records the electrical potentials of the brain. The recording can be taken while the patient is awake or asleep. During the recording, the patient may be asked to open and close his eyes, to hyperventilate or to look at a flashing light.
The EEG test causes no pain, no side effects, no electrical shocks. The entire procedure lasts approximately 1 hour, the actual recording lasts 15-20 minutes.
Appointment:
Please call or come in to any of our offices to schedule your appointment. If however you are unable to keep your appointment please let us know the day before.
PREPARATION:
The hair MUST be shampooed (no conditioner) and dried the day or night before the test.
DO NOT apply any additives to hair eg. gels, oils etc.
UNDO any braids or plaits before the BEG test.
Meals and scheduled medications should be taken as usual, EXCLUDE caffeine beverages 8 hours before the test.
Infants and Children
If your child is unable to remain still during the test, he or she may need to be sedated or sleep deprived. Please consult your paediatrician or referring physician or call our office for sedation.
If sedation is necessary, plan to arrive at the office 30 minutes before your appointment with the sedation.
If sleep deprivation is used, using parental discretion, please bring in your infant or child sleepy. Please try not to allow your child to nap before the test.
Plan to stay at least 2 hours, since completion of the EEG would in part, depend on the cooperation of your child.
To facilitate your child's comfort and cooperation, we suggest you try to bring the following items:
bottle, blanket, pacifier, favourite stuffed toy, pillow or storybook.
Before Your EEG Exam Begins:
You would be asked some routine questions regarding your history, medical condition, reason for referral and any medications you may be taking. You would need to remove any , hair accessories, eye glasses, jewellery, dentures and to switch off your mobile phone.
During Your Exam:
Your would need to refrain from talking or moving unless otherwise requested.
Your co-operation to remain still and relaxed during testing is required, failure to do so will result in inconvenience and unsuitable recording.
Your EEG will be interpreted by the Neurologist / Electroencephalographer and a typewritten report will be issued based on the findings. Please call our office in approximately 1 week to confirm
results are ready to be picked up.
If you had an EEG test done before, please bring in your last report so a comparison can be made to the present one.