Electroencephalogram (EEG), continuous recording, physician or other qualified health care professional review of recorded events, analysis of spike and seizure detection, each increment of greater than 12 hours, up to 26 hours of EEG recording, interpret
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Electroencephalogram (EEG), Continuous Recording
Summary
An Electroencephalogram (EEG) continuous recording is a diagnostic tool used to monitor electrical activity in the brain over an extended period, typically more than 12 hours and up to 26 hours. This procedure helps detect abnormal brain activity, such as seizures.
Purpose
The EEG continuous recording addresses conditions like epilepsy or other seizure disorders. The goal is to capture and analyze brainwave patterns over an extended time to identify and characterize abnormal activity, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning.
Indications
Specific indications for this procedure include recurrent seizures, unexplained staring spells, or other neurological symptoms that suggest seizure activity. It is especially appropriate for patients who do not have a clear diagnosis or where previous short-duration EEGs were inconclusive.
Preparation
Patients may be instructed to reduce their sleep the night before to increase the likelihood of sleep-related abnormalities during the recording. They should continue taking their medications unless otherwise directed by their doctor. No fasting is typically required.
Procedure Description
- Setup: Small metal discs (electrodes) are placed on the scalp using a conductive paste.
- Monitoring: The patient’s brain activity is continuously recorded for more than 12 hours, up to 26 hours.
- Environment: The patient may be asked to perform specific tasks or sleep during the recording to capture different brain states.
- Review: A physician or qualified health care professional reviews the recorded data, focusing on spike and seizure detection.
Special recording devices and software are used to capture and analyze brain activity. No anesthesia or sedation is necessary for the procedure.
Duration
The monitoring lasts more than 12 hours and can extend up to 26 hours.
Setting
The procedure is usually performed in a specialized inpatient unit or an outpatient clinic equipped for long-term monitoring.
Personnel
Trained EEG technologists perform the initial setup and monitoring, while neurologists or other qualified healthcare professionals analyze and interpret the recorded data.
Risks and Complications
Though the procedure is non-invasive and generally safe, potential risks include skin irritation from electrode placement and the rare chance of an allergic reaction to the paste. Long-term monitoring could cause discomfort due to prolonged electrode wear.
Benefits
The primary benefit is a comprehensive evaluation of brain activity over an extended period, leading to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment planning. The results are typically reviewed within a few days.
Recovery
Post-procedure care is minimal. Patients can return to their normal activities immediately but might have some paste residue on their scalp. They should follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss results and management plans.
Alternatives
Other diagnostic options include short-duration EEGs, ambulatory EEGs, neuroimaging (like MRI or CT scans), or video EEG monitoring. These alternatives may be less comprehensive but are quicker and more convenient.
Patient Experience
Patients might experience mild discomfort from the electrodes during placement and extended wear. They may feel some scalp irritation but can generally conduct most daily activities during monitoring. Continuous EEG allows for real-time seizure detection and analysis, providing valuable data for clinical care.
Pain management and comfort measures are not typically required since the procedure is non-invasive and painless beyond minor discomforts.