Neurology Tests (EEG)

EEG - Electroencephalogram

An EEG involves the recording and analysis of electrical signals generated by the brain. There are two types of EEGs: Routine and Sleep-Deprived.

Your doctor would order this test for the following reasons:

Routine:

• Headaches with epilepsy suspected
• Generalized and partial epilepsy seizures
• Presyncopal/syncopal episodes
• Infectious disease (encephalopathy, meningitis, herpes, encephalitis, Jacobs Creutzfeld)
• Developmental delay
• Day dreaming
• Follow-up EEG for management of epilepsy/cessation of medication

Sleep-Deprived

• When a routine EEG is normal but epilepsy is still suspected
• Partial seizures (i.e. complex partial)
• Sleep disorders (i.e. sleep apnea)

What you should know

Please wear comfortable clothing.  The approximate time for an EEG is 60 to 90 minutes.

For your test, you will be lying on a bed in a relaxed position. A technologist will attach small disks to your scalp using a thick paste, to record tracings of brain wave activity. No needles are used in this procedure.

There are no side effects from having this test, however, there will be paste in your hair that can be removed with a washcloth.

For a Routine or Sleep-Deprived EEG:

Shampoo your hair on the morning of the test. Do not use gel, mousse, sprays, etc. Bring all current medications with you. Have meals as usual but exclude caffeinated beverages.

For a Sleep-Deprived EEG:

Adults and children over 12 years of age must stay awake for the entire night before the test. You should book children 12 months to three years during their naptime. Four to eight year olds should be awake from 4:00 a.m., nine to 12-year-olds from 2:00 a.m.

FAQs

How long will the test take?

The test will take between 60 and 90 minutes.

Do you use needles?

No, we attach small disks to your head with a thick paste.

Do you have to put that cream in my hair?

Yes, the cream is a paste that keeps the small disks on the scalp.

Are there any side effects to this test?

No.

Is this electric shock treatment?

No.

Is any radiation used in this test?

No.

Contact us

Markham Site:  (905) 472-7020

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