Testing for certain conditions requires you to sleep during the test. Once the electrodes are in place, an EEG typically takes between 20 and 40 minutes. The electrodes are connected with wires to an instrument that amplifies the brain waves and records them on computer equipment. Sometimes, an elastic cap fitted with electrodes is used instead.
These spots on your scalp might be scrubbed with a gritty cream to improve the quality of the recording.Ī technician attaches discs (electrodes) to your scalp using a special adhesive. A technician measures your head and marks your scalp with a special pencil to indicate where to attach the electrodes.Here are some things you can expect to happen during an EEG:
The electrodes don't transmit any sensations. You'll feel little or no discomfort during an EEG. Some people wear an elastic cap fitted with electrodes instead of having the adhesive applied to their scalps. The electrodes are connected to the EEG machine with wires. In a high-density EEG, shown here, the electrodes are close together. Your doctor will let you know if you need to stop taking any of your medicines beforehand.During an EEG, flat metal discs (electrodes) are attached to the scalp. It’s also best to avoid food or drinks that contain caffeine (including coffee, tea, cola and chocolate) for at least 8 hours before the test. Avoid using conditioners, hairsprays, styling gels or other hair products. Wash your hair the night before or the day of the test, so that the discs stay attached to your scalp.
Sometimes EEGs are conducted when you have purposely been sleep-deprived. You may be asked to do some deep breathing, look at a flashing light or sleep during the test.Īn EEG takes about an hour, but may be longer for a sleep recording. You will need to keep still during the test. You won’t feel any sensations from the discs. These discs are also attached to wires that send the electrical signals to a computer to record the brain waves. They are usually kept in place with a sticky paste. What does an EEG test involve?ĭuring the EEG, flat metal discs (electrodes) will be placed all over your scalp. Although an EEG is one of the main tools for diagnosing epilepsy, a negative or normal EEG test does not necessarily rule out epilepsy. encephalopathy (brain dysfunction that may have a variety of causes)Īn EEG cannot diagnose mental illnesses.Your doctor may recommend an EEG to diagnose or monitor conditions including: What conditions can an EEG test help diagnose? The test is safe and doesn’t hurt, as it is merely recording the brain’s electrical activity. If something is unusual about the brain’s electrical activity, it will show up in the EEG recording. This electrical activity is shown on a computer as ‘brain waves’, which are interpreted by a specialist doctor. An EEG records the electrical signals sent between brain cells.
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