Resultsĭoctors trained to analyze EEGs interpret the recording and send the results to the doctor who ordered the 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 closely spaced together. Once home, rest and don't drive for the rest of the day.ĭuring an EEG, flat metal discs (electrodes) are attached to your scalp. If you used a sedative, it will take time for the medication to begin to wear off. If you had no sedative, you should feel no side effects after the procedure, and you can return to your normal routine. The technician removes the electrodes or cap. However, compared to inpatient video- EEG monitoring, an ambulatory EEG is not as good at determining the difference between epileptic seizures and nonepileptic seizures. This test can record brain activity over several days, which increases the chances of catching seizure activity. This combined recording can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition.Īmbulatory EEGs (aEEGs), which allow for longer monitoring outside an office or hospital setting, are in limited use. Your body motions are captured by a video camera while the EEG records your brain waves.
If you're supposed to sleep during your EEG test, your doctor might ask you to sleep less or avoid sleep the night before your test.Hair products can make it harder for the sticky patches that hold the electrodes to adhere to your scalp.
Wash your hair the night before or the day of the test, but don't use conditioners, hair creams, sprays or styling gels.Take your usual medications unless instructed otherwise.Avoid anything with caffeine on the day of the test because it can affect the test results.Sometimes seizures are intentionally triggered in people with epilepsy during the test, but appropriate medical care is provided if needed. A continuous EEG is used to help find the right level of anesthesia for someone in a medically induced coma. Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)Īn EEG might also be used to confirm brain death in someone in a persistent coma.Brain dysfunction that can have a variety of causes (encephalopathy).An EEG might also be helpful for diagnosing or treating the following disorders: Why it's doneĪn EEG can determine changes in brain activity that might be useful in diagnosing brain disorders, especially epilepsy or another seizure disorder. EEG results show changes in brain activity that may be useful in diagnosing brain conditions, especially epilepsy and other seizure disorders. An EEG records the electrical activity of your brain via electrodes affixed to your scalp.