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Neurology
Strong Epilepsy Center
Tests - Electroencephalogram (EEG)
An electroencephalogram is a test that gives us important
information about the health and functioning of
your brain. The EEG records the electrical activity generated
by
millions of brain cells. The pattern of this electrical
activity can be used to diagnose epilepsy and other
brain disorders.
An EEG does not treat or cure illness, read your mind,
give you a shock or measure your IQ.
The EEG is performed by a technologist who will apply
25 electrodes (small metal disks) to your scalp
with an adhesive gel or paste. The gel looks and smells like
clear nail polish. The paste is odorless and looks
like
toothpaste. This is a painless procedure and the
gel is easily removed after the test. The brain
electrical activity picked up by the electrodes
is carried by wires to a computer that amplifies the signals
and
stores them.
These signals are then interpreted by a trained neurophysiologist.
The neurophysiologist will send a report to your
doctor who will then discuss the results with you. This whole
process will take about a week.
Patient Instructions
Allow 2 HOURS for the EEG.
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Wash your hair either the night before or the morning
of the EEG. DO NOT USE GREASE, HAIR SPRAY, OILS OR CONDITIONERS.
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Before the test, eat a normal meal at your usual
mealtime. AVOID ALL CAFFEINE COFFEE, TEA, CHOCOLATE,
SOFT DRINKS. NO ALCOHOL 24 HOURS PRIOR TO THE TEST.
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Please take daily medications as prescribed by YOUR
physician.
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We must record a portion of your EEG during sleep.
We want you to be sleep deprived so you will
fall asleep naturally. THEREFORE, WE REQUIRE THAT THE YOU GET LESS
THAN HALF THE NORMAL SLEEP THE NIGHT BEFORE THE TEST.
If your test is at 8 a.m., you should get up at 4 a.m. DO
NOT SLEEP DURING THE RIDE TO THE HOSPITAL. In some cases,
a patient must stay awake all night.
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YOU MAY NOT DRIVE. Please bring someone who can drive
you home. It is unsafe for you to drive a vehicle
for several hours after the test because you will be
sleep deprived and may have been given sedation. If you
take public transportation, you should not travel alone.
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If you are scheduled for a CAROTID BASELINE, you
do not need to sleep during the EEG. You may have a full
night's sleep.
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DO NOT BRING CHILDREN. If your child is having the
test, do not bring other children. We do not have facilities
for unattended children.
Special Instructions for Parents
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ONLY ONE PARENT MAY STAY WITH THE CHILD DURING THE
EEG.
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Do not give your child a bottle or nurse your child
until immediately before their EEG. This is to help them
fall asleep for the test.
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DO NOT BRING OTHER CHILDREN. We do not have facilities
for unattended children.
Last updated 8/7/2006 LH
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