NEURO-DIAGNOSTIC CENTER

 Electroencephalogram (EEG)

An EEG is a continuous recording of the electrical activity of the brain. It assesses function of the brain as opposed to CT or MRI scans, which look at the structures of the brain.

By evaluating the patterns formed by the electrical activity of the brain, physicians determine the functional state of the brain cells at any given moment. Physicians use EEG to assist in the diagnosis of various brain disorders and order EEGs on patients suspected of having epilepsy or seizures; underlying metabolic, congenital, or infectious disease; or cerebrovascular disorders. EEG is sometimes used as a monitor of central nervous system function during selected surgical procedures.

The EEG takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. A technologist measures the patient's head and marks the locations for each electrode (about 22 electrodes). Each location is prepped with a special solution. The tech attaches the electrodes to the patient's scalp with a paste-like material that is water soluble. The electrodes are checked for adequate connection.

The patient relaxes on a bed while the tech monitors the EEG recording. The patient is generally quiet with eyes c1osed--sleep is encouraged! At other times the patient looks at a series of flashing lights or performs deep breathing for 3 minutes. When testing is finished, the tech removes the electrodes and residual from the patients scalp and hair.

The procedure is painless and there are no after-effects.

A physician specializing in neurology and EEG prepares a report and interpretation of the EEG recording.