 Electroencephalogram (EEG)
An electroencephalogram is a non-invasive, diagnostic test which records electrical activity on the surface of the brain. An electroencephalograph is the instrument used to register this activity and record it on graph paper. This is used by a neurologist to help identify the location, severity, and type of seizure disorder. This safe and painless procedure will not affect your child in any way.
Electro refers to electricity;
encephalo refers to the brain;
gram refers to record.
An EEG may be administered to your child to determine whether there are any irregularities in the electrical activities occurring in his/her brain which may produce seizures. This may help the doctor to determine whether s/he has epilepsy and in what form, so that it may be assessed and treated appropriately.
It is important to remember that an abnormal EEG does not diagnose epilepsy nor does a normal EEG reading exclude epilepsy.
Before an EEG
- If the doctor has ordered a sleep test, adjust your child's sleeping schedule (reduce sleep) according to the doctor's instructions and avoid caffeine drinks.
- Wash his/her hair thoroughly. The scalp should be clean and oil-free for the test so that electrodes can stay on your child's head and work effectively. No conditioners or any hair products should be used.
- Remove any hair accessories before going to the test centre.
- Your child should eat before being tested. This will help to stabilize his/her blood sugar level.
- Your child should take all prescribed medication(s) unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. Be sure the doctor is informed of all medications being taken.
- Prior to the test, you may want tot play games with your child to achieve a degree of relaxation.
During an EEG
- Before the test, you may be asked to provide information about your child's medical history and any medications being taken.
- The test may be given in a small room separated from the EEG machine and the technologist. This allows your child to take the test in a quiet, relaxing environment.
- Some clinics may have small TV cameras set up in the test area to videotape your child's movements during the test. This recorded movement, analysed with the EEG recording, may help the doctor identify the type of seizure.
- The technician will assist your child onto a stretcher.
- The technician will measure your child's head and mark where the metal discs will be placed. These small metal discs, called electrodes, will be applied to various places on the scalp with a special cream. This process takes 15-20 minutes.
It is painless.
- Your child will be instructed to keep his/her eyes closed and to remain still and relaxed throughout the examination.
- Your child may hear slight noises – the sound of the machine's pens writing the record on paper.
- Various procedures may be used during the test to stimulate the brain or to trigger certain brain waves and produce clearer wave patterns.
- Your child may be asked to open and close his/her eyes several times.
- Your child may be instructed to breath deeply through the mouth for short time. This may cause a slight dizzy feeling or numbness in the hands or feet. These are natural reactions and will subside once the deep breathing is over.
- A bright, flashing light may be placed in front of your child's eyes which may cause him/her to see different geometric designs and patterns of light.
- The doctor may have ordered a sleep test. In this case, a mild sedative will be given to your child to help him/her fall asleep during the examination.
- These different procedures are done in order to compare brain activity under a wide variety of conditions.
- Inaccurate results can be caused by an irregular heartbeat, sweating, eye movement, eye blinking, muscle tension, sucking movements, chewing or any movement. To help ensure accurate results, your child must relax and breath normally, remain quiet and still, and carefully follow the technician's instructions.
- The entire EEG test takes 60-90 minutes.
After an EEG
- The electrodes will be removed from your head.
There may be some stickiness from the cream used to place the electrodes: wash your child's hair when you get home.
- Your child should be able to resume normal activities, unless told otherwise by the doctor or technician.
Personnel
- EEG Technologists and Technicians
- help physicians diagnose epilepsy;
- take your child's medical history;
- prepare your child for the EEG test;
- operate the EEG machine to record electrical impulses transmitted by the brain and nervous system;
- apply electrodes to designated spots on your child's head;
- prepare data for doctors to interpret.
- Physicians who specialize in EEGs
- read and interpret the results of the EEGs;
- supervise the EEG technicians.
PaymentAn EEG test is fully covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
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