Name of the Procedure:

• Electroencephalogram (EEG) - All Night Recording
• Overnight EEG

Summary

An Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a diagnostic test that records the electrical activity of the brain. The all-night recording version captures brain activity throughout a full night's sleep to provide detailed information.

Purpose

An overnight EEG helps diagnose sleep disorders, epilepsy, and other neurological conditions by monitoring brain activity during sleep. The goal is to identify abnormal electrical patterns that might not appear during the day.

Indications

• Frequent, unexplained seizures
• Sleep disorders like sleep apnea or narcolepsy
• Unexplained alterations in consciousness
• Suspected epilepsy with nocturnal seizures
• Pre-surgical evaluation for epilepsy treatment

Preparation

• Wash hair and avoid using hair products like gels, sprays, or oils.
• Maintain normal sleep patterns as advised by the doctor.
• Some medications may need to be adjusted; follow the healthcare provider's instructions.

• Eat a regular meal before the test.

  Procedure Description

  1. The patient arrives in the early evening.
  2. Small metal discs (electrodes) are attached to the scalp using a special paste.
  3. The patient is asked to sleep as normally as possible.
  4. The EEG machine records brain activity overnight, capturing data as the patient goes through different sleep stages.
  5. In the morning, the electrodes are removed.

Technology used includes:

• EEG machine
• Electrodes and conductive paste

No anesthesia or sedation is generally required.

Duration

The recording takes approximately 8-10 hours, covering a full night's sleep.

Setting

The procedure is typically performed in a hospital sleep lab or specialized outpatient clinic.

Personnel

• Neurologist or neurophysiologist
• EEG technician

Risks and Complications

• Skin irritation from electrodes
• Discomfort or difficulty sleeping due to equipment
• Rarely, an EEG can provoke a seizure in patients prone to them (medical staff is prepared to manage this).

Benefits

• Provides detailed information on brain activity during sleep.
• Helps in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning for neurological and sleep disorders.
• Insight into the frequency and type of nocturnal seizures.

Recovery

• No major recovery needed; normal activities can typically be resumed immediately.
• Follow-up appointment to discuss results with your healthcare provider.

Alternatives

• Daytime EEG
• Ambulatory home EEG Pros and cons:
• Daytime EEG may miss nocturnal abnormalities.
• Ambulatory EEG offers convenience but might not capture extensive data as an in-lab study.

Patient Experience

• The patient might feel slight discomfort from the electrodes and need to adjust to sleeping in a lab setting.
• Measures like comfortable bedding are provided to help ease the experience.
• Technicians monitor the patient in case assistance is needed.