Name of the Procedure:

Electroencephalogram (EEG), continuous recording, physician or other qualified health care professional review of recorded events, analysis of spike and seizure detection, interpretation, and report, 2-12 hours of EEG recording; without video.

Summary

An Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that measures electrical activity in the brain. It continuously records brain waves for 2-12 hours without video, and a physician interprets the data to identify any abnormal activity like spikes or seizures.

Purpose

The EEG helps diagnose conditions affecting brain function, such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, and other neurological problems. The goal is to detect abnormal electrical activity that may explain symptoms like seizures, cognitive changes, or sleep disturbances.

Indications

• Unexplained seizures or epilepsy
• Neurological disorders including sleep disorders
• Unconsciousness or coma
• Brain activity monitoring for certain medical conditions

Preparation

• Wash hair thoroughly without conditioners or styling products.
• Avoid caffeine or stimulants prior to the test.
• Continue taking prescribed medications unless instructed otherwise.
• Specific instructions may be provided regarding sleep the night before.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is comfortably seated or lying down.
2. Electrodes are attached to the scalp using a conductive gel.
3. The EEG machine continuously records brain wave activity for 2-12 hours.
4. The patient may be asked to perform certain activities or rest during recording.
5. The data is later reviewed by a physician who analyzes for spikes and seizures.

Duration

The continuous EEG recording lasts between 2 to 12 hours.

Setting

Typically performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or specialized EEG laboratory.

Personnel

• Neurologist or qualified health care professional for interpretation.
• EEG technician for electrode placement and monitoring.

Risks and Complications

• Minimal risk involved.
• Possible scalp irritation from electrode gel or adhesives.
• Rarely, the procedure may trigger a seizure in patients with a seizure disorder.

Benefits

• Accurate diagnosis of neurological conditions.
• Effective treatment planning based on detailed brain activity analysis.
• Early detection of brain abnormalities.

Recovery

• No significant recovery time required.
• Patients can usually return to normal activities immediately.
• Instructions on removing any remaining gel or adhesive may be provided.

Alternatives

• Video-EEG Monitoring (includes simultaneous video recording)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for structural abnormalities
• CT Scan for a different type of brain imaging

Patient Experience

• Minimal discomfort from electrode placement.
• Patient remains awake but may be required to rest during recording.
• No pain involved, mild discomfort from adhesive removal can be managed with proper cleaning.

Pain management and comfort measures ensure the patient remains as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure.