The EEG is an important diagnostic and monitoring test. It is an easy, painless way to help you protect your health.
What It Does
An EEG will not treat or cure illness. It does, however, help diagnose, monitor or rule out the following:
- Epilepsy/Seizure
- Brain injury
- Cerebral palsy
- Coma
- Encephalitis or brain inflammation
How It Works
Your brain cell communicates by electrical impulses. An EEG measures and records these impulses to detect anything abnormal. When a person is ill or injured, electrical messages to the brain become blocked or altered and the normal patterns to the waves will change.
Preparing for Your EEG
You may be told by your technician to:
- Wash your hair. The scalp must be clean and oil free. No conditioners or hair spray. Dry the hair completely.
- Take normal medications, but inform your physician which ones you are taking.
The technician administering the EEG will usually:
- Take your medical history
- Ask you to relax
- Attach electrodes (15-20 minutes - measure your head, scrub your scalp, apply gel for the electrodes to stick)
During the Test
The test will last about 1 hour or longer. Various procedures may be used.
- Hyperventilation: you may be asked to breath in and out rapidly. A dizzy feeling may occur.
- Photic stimulation: a flashing light may be used while your eyes are closed. You may see colors and patterns. You should relax, breathe normally, stay quiet and be still. This will help with the acuracy of the test results.
After the Test
Your electrodes will be removed and you can resume normal activity if you doctor allows. Your physician will get the results and explain them to you. The technologist and electroencephalographer cannot discuss the results with you.