Brain cells communicate amongst themselves via electrical impulses and are active even during sleep. EEG, or electroencephalogram, helps to measure electrical activity in the brain using small electrodes attached to the scalp. The activity maps as waves on the EEG recording.
If you have been advised an EEG, your doctor is possibly working on the symptoms of seizures. Now, a seizure can occur due to epilepsy, brain tumors, head injury, brain hemorrhage, brain stroke, brain infection, etc. Many doctors may also use EEG while diagnosing other symptoms, such as headaches. But seizures and epilepsy remain the predominant condition tested by an EEG.
There are many ways an EEG is done, which include ambulatory EEG, intraoperative EEG, etc. But the most common types of EEG include:
- Routine EEG – lasts 20 to 40 minutes. You are required to rest quietly during this time. Opening and closing of eyes, forcing fast and flashing lights may be requested during the EEG.
- Prolonged EEG – is like routine EEG but for one hour or more, and up to a few days.
- Video EEG – is a special type of EEG recording where you are also filmed. This gives more information about brain activity.
- Sleep EEG – is carried out while you are asleep.
To Conclude, EEG is one of the primary and basic diagnostic tests performed when one suspects a seizure or epilepsy. It plays a pivotal role in diagnosing epilepsy, monitoring the effectiveness of medications, and is crucial during epilepsy surgeries (Intraoperative EEG).
Faq’s
Yes, Dr Mittal’s offers EEG at the comfort of your home.
It varies slightly with the center. For our cost, WhatsApp us at 987371878 with a prescription.
Yes. You need to wash your hair and dry them with a good shampoo. Avoid application of hair products, oils, serums, conditioners, or hair gel thereafter. Avoid caffeine, energy drinks, tea, coffee for at least 8 hours.
Do not skip your medications unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Usually, this is not recommended. You should, however, discuss this with your prescribing neurologist.
Lack of abnormal activity during the EEG record can cause the EEG to appear normal. Therefore, a normal EEG only suggests that there were no seizures or epilepsy-like activity during the test. It does not rule out the possibility of seizure or epilepsy if the EEG is normal.
