EEG - Electroencephalogram
An EEG (electroencephalogram) is a neurological test that measures the electrical activity of your brain. It is used to help diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions that affect the brain, from epilepsy to sleep disorders.
How Does EEG - Electroencephalogram Work?
An EEG (electroencephalogram) is a neurological test that measures the electrical activity of your brain. It is used to help diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions that affect the brain, from epilepsy to sleep disorders.
Your brain cells communicate with each other using small electrical signals or impulses. During an EEG recording, your doctor attaches small metal discs called electrodes to your scalp, which monitor the electrical activity in your brain.
Neurologists know how to read the electrical changes of the brain and can distinguish between these changes and the disorders that provide important information for specific conditions.
What Is EEG Used For?
EEG is one of the main diagnostic tools for epilepsy and other seizure disorders. It can also be useful for diagnosing or treating the following problems:
- Stroke
- Sleep Disorders
- Head Injuries
- Brain Tumors
- Brain Inflammation or Dysfunction
- Dementia or Alzheimer's Disease
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
What to Expect During the Test?
During an EEG recording, electrodes are attached to your scalp with a conductive paste. The electrodes have wires extending to a recording machine that receives the signals and converts them into patterns on a screen or paper printout.
During the test, you are asked to relax and keep your eyes closed because movement can alter the reading and your results. Your neurologist may ask you to perform certain tasks during the test, such as looking at a bright light or changing your breathing pattern for several minutes. In some cases, you may be asked to sleep during the test.
Neurologists may request a repeat EEG after sleep deprivation when the patient's brain activity needs to be monitored for more than 30-60 minutes.
How Do I Prepare for an EEG?
Washing your hair before coming for the recording helps prevent unwanted artifacts during the test. You should avoid using any hair cream, gel, spray, or oil. Also, since caffeine can affect your results, you should avoid consuming anything with caffeine for at least eight hours before your test. Your stomach should be full when you come for the recording. Low blood sugar can cause some slowing in the brain waves.
When scheduling your EEG, make sure your doctor knows about all medications you are taking. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications, but you should not change or discontinue your medications unless your neurologist asks you to.