Name of the Procedure:

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Summary

An Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a non-invasive medical test that measures the electrical activity of your brain using small electrodes attached to your scalp.

Purpose

EEG is primarily used to diagnose conditions related to abnormal brain activity, such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, and other neurological conditions. The goal is to identify irregularities in brain waves that may point to specific medical conditions.

Indications

• Persistent headaches
• Seizure disorders (e.g., epilepsy)
• Sleep disorders (e.g., insomnia, sleep apnea)
• Unexplained changes in behavior
• Brain injuries
• Monitoring brain activity during surgery

Preparation

• Ensure your hair is clean and free of any products like oils, gels, or sprays.
• Avoid consuming caffeine for at least 8 hours before the procedure.
• Take any prescribed medications unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
• You might be asked to sleep less the night before an EEG to help induce sleep during the test.

Procedure Description

1. You will be seated in a comfortable chair or asked to lie down.
2. An EEG technologist will attach small, flat metal discs (electrodes) to your scalp using a special conductive paste.
3. The electrodes are connected to an EEG machine via wires, which will record your brain's electrical signals.
4. You may be asked to perform simple tasks such as opening and closing your eyes, breathing deeply, or looking at a flashing light.
5. The procedure is unmonitored, so you will not have continuous oversight, but you will be given instructions on what to do if you need assistance.

Duration

The procedure typically lasts between 2 to 12 hours.

Setting

The EEG can be conducted in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or specialized diagnostic center.

Personnel

The procedure is usually performed by an EEG technologist under the supervision of a neurologist.

Risks and Complications

EEG is a safe and non-invasive procedure with minimal risks. However, some potential considerations include:

• Skin irritation from the electrodes.
• Rarely, if you have a seizure disorder, the flashing lights or deep breathing may trigger a seizure.

Benefits

• Accurate diagnosis of various neurological conditions.
• Helps in creating effective treatment plans.
• Immediate data on brain activity, aiding in quick clinical decisions.

Recovery

• You can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.
• Any conductive paste left on the scalp can be washed off with soap and water.

Alternatives

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Computed Tomography (CT) scans
• However, these alternatives visualize brain structure rather than brain wave activity.

Patient Experience

• The procedure is painless.
• You may feel sleepy or tired if you've been asked to reduce sleep before the test, but this is normal.
• Some patients report slight discomfort from the electrodes but find it manageable.
• The EEG technologist will prioritize your comfort throughout the procedure.