Name of the Procedure:

Electroencephalogram (EEG) Extended Monitoring; 61-119 minutes

Summary

An Electroencephalogram (EEG) extended monitoring is a test that measures electrical activity in the brain for an extended period, typically between 61 and 119 minutes. It involves placing electrodes on the scalp to detect brain wave patterns, which are recorded and analyzed by a healthcare provider.

Purpose

This procedure is used to diagnose and monitor conditions that affect brain activity such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, and other neurological conditions. The goal is to identify abnormal brain activity that can help in the diagnosis and management of these conditions.

Indications

• Unexplained seizures or epilepsy
• Sleep disorders (e.g., sleep apnea, narcolepsy)
• Unexplained changes in behavior or cognition
• Monitoring brain activity in patients with known neurological disorders

Preparation

• Hair should be clean and free of oils, sprays, or hair products.
• Patients may need to avoid caffeine several hours before the test.
• Certain medications may need to be adjusted or paused; follow specific instructions given by the healthcare provider.
• No fasting is usually required unless specified by the doctor.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is seated or lying down in a comfortable position.
2. The healthcare provider attaches multiple electrodes to the patient's scalp using a conductive paste.
3. The electrodes are connected to an EEG machine which records the electrical activity of the brain for 61-119 minutes.
4. The patient may be asked to perform specific tasks (e.g., opening or closing eyes) to see how brain activity changes.
5. Unusual or abnormal brain wave patterns are noted for further analysis.

Duration

The extended monitoring procedure typically takes between 61 and 119 minutes.

Setting

The procedure is typically performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or specialized EEG laboratory.

Personnel

• Neurologist or specialized EEG technician
• Nurses or medical assistants may be present to assist

Risks and Complications

• Minimal risk; generally considered a safe procedure
• Possible minor discomfort or skin irritation from electrode placement
• Rare risk of infection at electrode sites

Benefits

• Provides critical information for diagnosing and managing neurological conditions
• Helps tailor treatment plans for conditions like epilepsy and sleep disorders
• Non-invasive with no significant recovery time

Recovery

• Patients can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.
• Hair may need washing to remove the conductive paste.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss results and next steps.

Alternatives

• Shorter duration EEG (20-30 minutes)
• Ambulatory EEG (24-72 hours)
• MRI or CT scans for neurological evaluation
• Pros: Longer monitoring gives more data and can catch intermittent abnormalities.
• Cons: Longer duration can be inconvenient and require more patient cooperation.

Patient Experience

• The patient may feel slight discomfort from the electrodes on the scalp.
• The procedure is painless and non-invasive.
• Patients are encouraged to relax and remain still during monitoring.
• No anesthesia or sedation is needed.