Electroencephalography (EEG)

What is an EEG?
The EEG test, short for electroencephalogram, records brainwave patterns from the continuous electrical signals coming from the brain. During the test, small electrodes placed on your scalp will detect electrical activity from your brain. You will not feel or experience any pain or discomfort. This test usually lasts approximately one hour.

How Is an EEG Done?
A technician applies approximately twenty four electrodes to the scalp which are held on with a kind of paste (not needles) that can later be washed away with shampoo. Wires go from the electrodes to an amplifier and a machine that records the impulses. During the test the technologist may ask the person to breathe deeply for a short time. The technologist may also shine a flashing light in a person's eyes and ask him to open and close his eyes several times. The procedure is not painful in any way.

What should I do to prepare for the test?
You will arrive at the office at your designated time. Please arrive ON TIME. The technologist will apply leads to your head using a substance that is washable using warm water. The application, hook-up process and testing will take approximately 1 hour. The test is performed using the latest state of the art equipment.

Eat normally and take your regular medication unless directed otherwise by the Doctor or Nurse.

A parent or guardian should remain with the child at the time of the test. If you do not speak English it would be helpful to arrange for a translator to accompany you.

Before the test:
Be sure to bring a hat or scarf to cover your head after the hook-up is completed.

After the test:
Once the test is complete the patient just needs to wash with warm water and shampoo.