The technician will remove the electrodes and you should wash the glue out of your hair. Most of the time you will just lie still with your eyes closed. The technician may ask you to do several things during the test, such as asking you to open and close your eyes, breath deeply and rapidly (hyperventilation), or look at a flashing light. About 20 small electrodes will be attached to your head with washable glue. You will be asked to lie on a table or sit in a reclining chair. Continue taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to stop.You may eat regular meals, but avoid drinks that contain caffeine for at least 4 hours before the test.If you have long hair, do not braid, tie, or pin it up.
For example, if you have a seizure disorder, the EEG can show where abnormal activity in your brain comes from and can help distinguish between generalized or focal seizures. It is most often used to determine the type and origin of seizures. This allows you to be observed during a seizure so that your physical behavior can be monitored at the same time as your EEG.Īn EEG measures electricity that your brain makes it does NOT measure thoughts or feelings, and it does not send any electricity into your brain. You stay in the hospital and are monitored both by EEG and a video camera. Video EEG monitoring is available in specialized centers for patients with frequent seizures or sleep disorders.The EEG recorder along with a diary you keep of daily activities and drug dosages helps the doctor relate your activity to specific EEG recordings.
Ambulatory EEG involves wearing a portable EEG recorder on a belt around your waist for several days or weeks.You will be given specific instructions regarding food, drink, and medications that may need to be avoided. Abnormal brain waves may appear when the body is stressed or fatigued. You may be asked to do a sleep-deprived EEG, which requires you to have only 4 hours of sleep. Standard EEG recording is done in the office and usually lasts an hour.
There are several different ways to conduct an EEG: A sample EEG recording showing a focal spike typical of a seizure.