If you experience any of the above symptoms, an electroencephalogram is the best tool for figuring out whether your brain’s irregular brain waves are responsible for the episodes. While most people think of a seizure as an episode in which your body convulses uncontrollably, which can happen, a seizure may also manifest itself as: Epilepsy is a problem in your central nervous system that causes abnormal brain activity that can lead to seizures.
The providers at Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center primarily use an EEG to diagnose seizure disorders, including epilepsy, which affects 3.4 million people in the United States. The test is completely harmless as the electrodes are attached to your scalp using a special adhesive. The recording forms a type of graph that your provider reads to determine whether there are any unusual spikes in activity that may signal a problem. To perform an EEG, your provider at Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center attaches small electrodes to your head that record the electrical impulses in your brain. The EEG will be interpreted by a neurologist and forwarded to your physician, or referring physician in a weeks’ time.The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that’s designed to test for abnormalities in your brain’s electrical activity. There are no side effects after the procedure, and you can return to your normal routine.The paste will leave a residue in your hair and that will come out with regular shampoo when you get home. The technician will wash off the cream with warm water.
Interpreters are welcome if there are language concerns.Take your medications as usual before the test unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.Avoid anything with caffeine on the day of the test.Please note Grand River hospital promotes a scent reduction environment.Please do not use hair products (hair creams, sprays or styling gels) as they interfere with the recording. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment so you can be registered.Some changes in the brain activity only appear in sleep, so it is important that the patient must try to take a nap during the test. On some occasions, the doctor will order a sleep-deprived EEG which requires the patient to undergo a period of no sleep (usually 24 hours for adults and for children a disturbed sleep schedule). This combined recording may help doctor diagnose and treat your condition.Ī routine EEG test will take 45 minutes to one hour. Video is frequently recorded during the EEG. Body motions are captured by a video camera while the EEG simultaneously records your brain waves.The technologist will ask for some related history as to the reason for your test.The technologist may ask you to open and close your eyes, perform a few simple calculations, read a paragraph, look at a picture, breathe deeply (hyperventilate) for a few minutes, or look at a flashing light.
However, the test is flexible for those confined to chairs or for smaller children who may need to be comforted in their parent’s arms. The test is generally performed when lying down on a bed with eyes closed.Electrodes are applied to your scalp with a paste.Requisition: a signed requisition along with reason for the EEG or sleep deprived EEG is required from the ordering physician in order for this test to be performed. Our program offers inpatient and outpatient services for adults, adolescents, children, and newborns for routine EEG. An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a painless test that takes a recording of your brain wave activity.