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 summary report; complete study for greater than 36 hours, up to 60 hours.

Summary

An Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a non-invasive procedure that continuously records the electrical activity of the brain over a specific period, ranging from greater than 36 hours to up to 60 hours. A healthcare professional reviews the recorded data to detect spikes and seizures, analyzes the findings, and provides an interpretation and summary report.

Purpose

The procedure is used to diagnose various neurological conditions, particularly epilepsy and other seizure disorders. The goal is to identify abnormal brain wave patterns that can help in the diagnosis and management of these conditions.

Indications

• Unexplained seizures or convulsions
• Episodes of altered consciousness
• Suspected epilepsy
• Monitoring the effectiveness of anti-seizure medications
• Sleep disorders
• Brain injuries

Preparation

• Patients may need to avoid caffeine and certain medications that could affect brain activity before the procedure.
• No specific fasting is generally required.
• The patient will need to have clean, dry hair and may be instructed to avoid using hair products.

Procedure Description

1. The patient arrives at the medical setting, where electrodes are attached to their scalp using a special adhesive.
2. A cap-like net or paste is used to hold the electrodes in place to ensure continuous recording.
3. The patient goes about their normal activities while the EEG device records brain activity.
4. The recording device can be portable, allowing the patient to move freely.
5. After the recording period (36-60 hours), the data is reviewed by a qualified healthcare professional for spikes and seizure activity.
6. An analysis and interpretation of the data are done, followed by a summary report.

Duration

The recording duration is typically between 36 to 60 hours.

Setting

The procedure can be performed in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, or specialized neurology centers.

Personnel

• Neurologist or other qualified healthcare professional
• EEG Technicians or Technologists

Risks and Complications

• Skin irritation or discomfort where the electrodes are placed
• Rarely, the adhesive might cause an allergic reaction
• Potential for mild inconvenience or discomfort due to the length of recording time

Benefits

• Accurate diagnosing of seizure disorders
• Assessment of brain function over an extended period
• Monitoring the effectiveness of treatments
• Helps guide treatment plans for neurological conditions

Recovery

• No recovery time is needed; the patient can resume normal activities immediately after the electrodes are removed.
• They may need to wash their hair to remove any residual adhesive.

Alternatives

• Routine EEG, which records brain activity for a shorter period (less than an hour)
• Sleep-deprived EEG
• Ambulatory EEG (24-48 hours)
• Neuroimaging studies (MRI, CT scan), which provide structural details but not functional

Patient Experience

• The patient may feel slight discomfort from the electrodes and adhesive.
• The procedure is painless, and the patient can usually continue with daily activities.
• Pain management or comfort measures are not typically required.