However, a person with epilepsy may experience a seizure, triggered by the various stimuli used in the procedure, including the flashing lights. Complications of EEGĮEG is a safe test with no side effects. If excited, the pattern will show considerable variation, and any departure from the regular pattern can indicate abnormalities. Generally, if there is no abnormality to the brain's electrical activity, the pattern of 'peaks and valleys' charted by the EEG should be fairly regular. The results need to be analysed at a later stage by a neurologist (a doctor who specialises in brain disorders). Once the test is complete, the electrodes are removed and you are allowed to get up. Some EEG testing centres may record a video of your tests to help with diagnosis. Sedatives (medications to help sleep) may be needed if sleep won't come naturally during the test. If the patient is a baby or young child, it helps if the parents delay the child's nap until the time of the EEG. Sometimes, a sleep recording is also required. An EEG usually takes from 30 to 60 minutes to complete. Sometimes, you may be asked by the doctor to open and close your eyes and to breathe heavily. You will need to lie quietly to avoid any electrical interference from muscle contractions. A gel may be applied to help the electrodes to stick firmly in place and improve recordings. A number of electrodes are applied to your scalp (generally between 8 and 23, depending on the condition under investigation).

Your hair must be thoroughly clean, but most importantly dry. Sometimes, a person with epilepsy will only display abnormal brain waves during a seizure. On the other hand, a normal EEG doesn't rule out epilepsy either. The EEGs of babies and young children can often record irregular patterns that don't mean anything, or the irregularities may flag previously diagnosed neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy. Certain disorders of the central nervous systemĪn abnormal EEG doesn't automatically mean that you, for example, have epilepsy.

Hormonal conditions that affect brain tissue.Metabolic conditions that affect brain tissue.Other conditions that may be diagnosed with the aid of an EEG include: Suspected epilepsy is the most common reason for an EEG. Normal brain waves occur at a rate of up to 30 per second, but in someone with epilepsy, for example, the EEG may show bursts of abnormal discharges in the form of spikes and sharp wave patterns. EEG can help diagnose a number of conditions, including epilepsy, sleep disorders and brain tumours. This procedure is completely painless and can be performed without shaving any of your hair. The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a medical test used to measure the electrical activity of the brain, via electrodes applied to your scalp.

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