![eeg test eeg test](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/In33-gGKS3tOHjlG1eRHl2_08Ho=/1333x1000/smart/filters:no_upscale()/3014879_color-5bbbc09fc9e77c00514e2d7d.png)
You may be asked to do certain things during the test, such as breathe fast and deeply for several minutes or look at a bright flashing light. This is because movement can change the results. You need to lie still during the test with your eyes closed.The machine changes the electrical signals into patterns that can be seen on a monitor or drawn on paper. The electrodes are connected by wires to a recording machine. The disks are held in place with a sticky paste. Flat metal disks called electrodes are placed all over your scalp.You lie on your back on a bed or in a reclining chair.EEG can help diagnose a number of conditions including epilepsy, sleep disorders and brain tumours.The test is done by an electroencephalogram technologist in your doctor's office or at a hospital or laboratory.A number of electrodes are applied to your scalp.The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a medical test used to measure the electrical activity of the brain.For example, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and computed tomography (CT) scans may be used in the case of suspected brain tumour. Other diagnostic tests depend on the condition under investigation. In many cases, the test results are sent to your doctor within 48 hours of the test. It is important to make a follow-up appointment with your doctor. The EEG recording must be analysed by a neurologist, who then sends the results to your doctor. The EEG technologist can't interpret the test results on the spot. However, you will need to wash your hair thoroughly to remove all traces of gel and other fluids. Be advised by your doctor, but generally, there are no special instructions for after-care. (This is not seen as a 'complication' by medical staff, because a seizure during an EEG can greatly help in diagnosis.) Taking care of yourself at homeĮEG is a safe procedure. 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.
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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.
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A gel may be applied to help the electrodes to stick firmly in place and improve recordings.
![eeg test eeg test](https://mehtahospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/electroencephalogram-Thumb-Size.jpg)
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.