EEG

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a noninvasive test that records electrical patterns in your brain. The test is used to help diagnose conditions such as seizures, epilepsy, head injuries, dizziness, headaches, brain tumours and sleeping problems. It can also be used to confirm brain death.

The billions of nerve cells in your brain produce very small electrical signals that form patterns called brain waves. During an EEG, small electrodes and wires are attached to your head. The electrodes detect your brain waves and the EEG machine amplifies the signals and records them in a wave pattern on graph paper or a computer screen.

Standard EEG recording is done in the laboratory and usually lasts an hour. You may be asked to do a sleep-deprived EEG, which requires you to have only 4 hours of sleep. Abnormal brain waves may appear when the body is stressed or fatigued. This exam usually takes 2 to 3 hours. You will be given specific instructions regarding food, drink, and medications that may need to be avoided.

An EEG measures electricity that your brain makes; it does NOT measure thoughts or feelings, and it does not send any electricity into your brain. It is most often used to determine the type and origin of seizures. 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. An EEG is of value for diagnosing epilepsy only if it detects patterns typical of epilepsy. If it doesn’t detect the right patterns, you may still have epilepsy and ambulatory monitoring or video EEG may be necessary.

EEG can also detect abnormal brain waves after a head injury, stroke, or brain tumor. Other conditions such as dizziness, headache, dementia, and sleeping problems may show abnormal brain patterns. It can also be used to confirm brain death.

Make sure your hair is clean, freshly washed, and free from any styling products. If you have long hair, do not braid, tie, or pin it up.

You may eat regular meals, but avoid drinks that contain caffeine for at least 4 hours before the test.

Do not nap before the test.

Continue taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to stop.

You will be asked to lie on a table or sit in a reclining chair. About 20 small electrodes will be attached to your head with washable glue. 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. Most of the time you will just lie still with your eyes closed.

There are no risks from an EEG.

A neurologist, or a doctor who specializes in brain and nervous system problems, interprets your EEG. He or she will communicate directly with your referring doctor, who in turn will discuss the results with you.