An Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the brain. It is commonly used to diagnose neurological conditions, especially those related to brain function and disorders.
Electroencephalogram (EEG) – Complete Details
1. What is an EEG?
2. How Does an EEG Work?
- The brain's nerve cells (neurons) communicate using electrical impulses.
- An EEG detects these impulses through electrodes placed on the scalp.
- The recorded signals appear as wave patterns, which can be analyzed to detect abnormalities.
3. Purpose of an EEG (Why is it Done?)
✅ Diagnosing Seizures & Epilepsy – Identifies abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
✅ Monitoring Brain Activity – Helps in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) patients and during surgeries.
✅ Detecting Sleep Disorders – Used in sleep studies to diagnose conditions like insomnia and narcolepsy.
✅ Assessing Brain Damage – Evaluates brain function after head injuries, strokes, or infections.
✅ Investigating Memory Problems – Helps in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
✅ Confirming Brain Death – Used in critical care to assess unresponsive patients.
4. Types of EEG Tests
A. Routine EEG
- Duration: 20–30 minutes.
- Electrodes are attached to the scalp to record brain waves in a resting state.
B. Sleep EEG
- Records brain activity during sleep.
- Used to diagnose sleep disorders and nocturnal epilepsy.
C. Ambulatory EEG (AEEG)
- Records brain activity for 24–72 hours while the patient continues daily activities.
- Useful for detecting intermittent seizure activity.
D. Video EEG (vEEG) Monitoring
- Simultaneously records brain activity and patient behavior using video.
- Used in hospitals for long-term epilepsy monitoring.
E. Brain Death EEG
- Confirms lack of brain activity in coma or brain injury patients.
5. How to Prepare for an EEG?
✔️ Wash your hair – No oils or conditioners (improves electrode contact).
✔️ Avoid caffeine for 8–12 hours before the test.
✔️ Continue taking medications unless instructed otherwise.
✔️ Sleep deprivation – Some tests require less sleep the night before
6. Procedure: How is an EEG Done?
1️⃣ Electrodes Placement – Small metal discs (electrodes) are attached to the scalp with a gel.
2️⃣ Recording Brain Activity – Electrical signals are recorded as waves on a computer.
3️⃣ Stimulation Tests (optional) – May include:
- Flashing lights (Photic Stimulation)
- Deep breathing (Hyperventilation Test)4️⃣ Completion – The test usually takes 30–60 minutes (longer for sleep or extended monitoring).
7. EEG Results & Interpretation
๐น Normal EEG – Shows typical wave patterns with no irregular activity.
๐น Abnormal EEG – May indicate:
- Epilepsy or Seizures (Spikes & Sharp Waves)
- Brain Tumors (Slow Waves in a Specific Area)
- Stroke or Head Injury (Focal Abnormalities)
- Encephalopathy (Generalized Slow Activity)
8. Risks & Side Effects
⚠️ Safe & Non-Invasive – No pain or harmful radiation.
⚠️ Rare Risks – Some people with epilepsy may have seizures triggered by flashing lights.
9. EEG vs. Other Brain Scans
| Test | Purpose | Radiation? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEG | Records electrical activity | ❌ No | Seizures, brain function |
| MRI | Detailed brain images | ❌ No | Tumors, strokes |
| CT Scan | X-ray imaging | ✅ Yes | Head injuries, bleeding |
| PET Scan | Brain metabolism | ✅ Yes | Alzheimer’s, brain function |
10. Conclusion
An EEG is a vital test for diagnosing neurological disorders, particularly epilepsy and brain function issues. It is painless, safe, and widely used in hospitals and neurology clinics.
Would you like details on EEG cost, home EEG, or epilepsy treatment? ๐
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