EEG full-form is an Electroencephalogram, a medical procedure that assesses brain functioning and detects abnormalities. The test helps diagnose neurological conditions like epilepsy, sleep disorders, and neurological abnormalities. The EEG scan provides valuable insights into the brain's electrical patterns and helps in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. This blog will explain the EEG procedure, its uses, what to expect during the test, and more.
What is an EEG Test?
An EEG (Electroencephalogram) is a noninvasive diagnostic test that measures the brain's electrical activity. Brain cells, or neurons, communicate with each other using electrical impulses, which create brain activity patterns that can be monitored and recorded by an EEG machine. An EEG scan is one of the important tests for diagnosing epilepsy, and it can also be used to diagnose other brain conditions. This communication occurs continuously, even when you are asleep. The EEG machine records the pattern, which is then analyzed to diagnose and monitor conditions that affect brain functioning. EEG helps understand various neurological disorders and ensure appropriate treatment. The recording will show brain activity as wavy lines. It's a snapshot of the electrical activity in your brain at a given time.
What is the purpose of the EEG Test?
An EEG is helpful to diagnose or treat the following conditions-
- Brain tumors
- Encephalopathy
- Inflammation of the brain, such as herpes encephalitis
- Stroke
- Brain damage from a head injury
Types of EEG
Different types of EEG cater to various diagnostic needs:
- Routine EEG- During that time, the doctor may ask you to open and close your eyes, breathe deeply in and out, or look at a flashing light.
- Ambulatory EEG- Monitors brain activity over 24-72 hours while the patient continues daily activities.
- Video EEG- Combines EEG with video monitoring.
- Sleep EEG- Conducted during sleep to analyze brain waves related to sleep disorders.
- Invasive EEG- Used in rare cases where electrodes are placed directly on the brain’s surface.
How to Prepare for EEG?
Here is what you need to take care of before the EEG scan:
- Hair Care- Wash your hair the night before the test. Avoid using conditioners, gels, or sprays as hair products, as they can make it harder for the patches to stick to your scalp.
- Medication Adjustments—Inform your doctor about all medications you’re taking. Some medications may need to be temporarily paused.
- Avoid Caffeine—Avoid consuming too much coffee, tea, or energy drinks at least 8 hours before the test.
- Sleep Requirements- If you're having a sleep EEG, your doctor may ask you to sleep less or not to sleep the night before your EEG.
What is the procedure for the EEG Test?
You might feel little or no discomfort during an EEG. The electrodes don't transmit any sensations. They just record your brain waves.
Here are what you can expect during the EEG-
- The technician measures your head and marks your scalp where to attach the electrodes. He then attaches small, flat metal discs (electrodes) to your scalp using a special gel or paste to ensure a good connection. These electrodes are attached to an EEG machine that records brain waves.
- Depending on what is being tested, the technician may also place electrodes on your face and near your eyes.
- The number of electrodes can vary but usually ranges from 16 to 25. The placement follows a standardized system to capture brain activity from different brain regions.
- Once the electrodes are in place, an EEG takes 20 to 40 minutes. For certain conditions, you need to sleep during the test. The test requires you to sleep longer.
- Once the electrodes are attached, you’ll be asked to lie down in a relaxed position. The test itself is painless.
- The EEG machine continuously records your brain waves throughout the test. The technician will monitor the signals on a screen to ensure they are being captured properly.
- Depending on the reason for the test, the technician may ask you to perform some activities during the test, such as opening and closing your eyes, breathing fast and deeply, and flashing a light in front of your eyes to provoke certain types of brain responses.
- The standard EEG takes 20 to 40 minutes. However, depending on the type of EEG being performed, it can last from 20 minutes to several hours.
After the procedure and test are complete, the electrodes will be removed. The technician will then clean your scalp to remove the gel or paste.
A neurologist will analyze the brain wave patterns recorded during the EEG. It may take a few days for the results to be ready. Based on the findings, your doctor will discuss any abnormalities detected, which could help diagnose conditions like epilepsy, sleep disorders, or other neurological conditions.
What Does the EEG Test Results Show?
The EEG records electrical patterns in the brain, which are displayed as waveforms. These waveforms fall into categories:
- Normal EEG Results indicate a healthy brain function with consistent waveforms.
- Abnormal EEG Results- Irregular patterns may suggest:
- Epilepsy or seizures.
- Brain injuries or tumors.
- Sleep disorders.
- Inflammation or infections affecting the brain.
Are There Any EEG Test Side Effects?
EEG is a safe procedure, but here are a few things you must know before the test-
- The adhesive used for electrodes may cause slight irritation on sensitive skin.
- For patients with epilepsy, flashing lights or deep breathing during the test may trigger a seizure, which is controlled and monitored in a safe environment.
- Low blood sugar if you haven't eaten
- In rare cases where sedatives are used, drowsiness may persist for a few hours.
- Unlike imaging tests, EEG does not involve any harmful radiation.
What happens if you have an abnormal EEG?
After EEG, if your results are abnormal, it could be due to epilepsy, sleep disorders, etc. To find out the exact cause, your doctor may order other tests like these:
- Blood tests
- Electrocardiogram
- Genetic tests if you might have an inherited type of epilepsy
- Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI
Takeaways
An EEG test helps doctors diagnose and manage neurological conditions like epilepsy or a sleep disorder. If you are looking for an EEG test, you can book your test with Medicentre. Remember to follow the preparation and guidelines to get accurate results and consult your doctor to address concerns.
FAQ’s
1. What should you not do before an EEG test?
Avoid using hair products and conditioners, do not consume too much caffeine, stop taking medications with your doctor's advice, and don't fast, as low blood sugar can affect your EEG results.
2. What is an EEG test used for?
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a painless procedure that measures the brain's electrical activity. It's used to diagnose and monitor various brain conditions, such as sleep disorders, epilepsy, and brain tumors.
3. Is EEG better than MRI?
EEGs and MRIs are both important tools for evaluating brain function. EEGs are better for real-time monitoring of brain activity, while MRIs provide detailed structural images.
4. What happens if EEG is abnormal?
An abnormal EEG indicates a problem with brain activity. It can point to several conditions, including epilepsy, brain tumors, or sleep disorders.