An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that assesses the electrical activity in the brain using tiny metal discs (electrodes) connected to your scalp. Brain cells relay through electrical impulses and are always active, even while sleeping. This activity develops as wavy lines on an EEG recording. EEG White Rock is one of the primary diagnostic procedures for epilepsy and can also be used to rule out other brain disorders. You should take the following steps before the test:
- Consult your doctor to see whether you should discontinue any drugs before the test. You should also compile a list of your medicines and provide it to the EEG technician.
- Avoid consuming or drinking anything with caffeine, like coffee, black tea, and energy drink, for at least 8 hours before the test.
- You should wash your hair the night before the EEG procedure. Avoid using products such as sprays or gels on the day of the assessment.
- Your clinician might ask you to sleep as little as possible the night before the examination if you have to sleep during the electroencephalogram test.
- In some situations, you may be administered a sedative to relax and sleep during the test. If this is the case, your specialist will request that you bring someone who can drive you home afterward.
Why is an EEG test done?
EEGs are used to detect issues in the electrical activity of the brain that is linked with certain brain conditions. When epilepsy is present, seizure activity appears on the EEG as fast-spiking waves. Those with brain lesions, which tumors or strokes can cause, may have abnormally slow EEG waves, depending on the size and area of the lesion.
Furthermore, the test may be used to identify other conditions that affect brain activity, such as Alzheimer’s disease, specific psychoses, and narcolepsy, a sleep disorder. Healthcare practitioners may use an EEG after brain surgery or assess the brain activity of someone in a coma. During surgical procedures, the EEG may also monitor blood flow in the brain.
How does an EEG function
Electrodes on your scalp monitor electrical signals (impulses) moving between brain cells. Electrodes are tiny metal disks that a specialist glues to your scalp and are attached to wires that detect nerve signals, which are electrical impulses.
The electrodes transmit information about the signals to an EEG machine, which captures the impulses with lines (traces) that indicate brain wave patterns. Your brain has particular wave patterns when you are asleep and awake. When you have a seizure, the wave patterns fluctuate.
What occurs after your EEG procedure
After the EEG test, your technician will remove the electrodes and clean your scalp. Since your hair and skin might feel sticky, you will want to wash your hair at home. You can drive and resume your normal activities unless your healthcare professional says you shouldn’t.
An EEG (electroencephalogram) is a safe and painless test used to monitor brain activity. An EEG can assist your healthcare practitioner in determining the source of symptoms such as seizures, confusion, or memory loss. Your physician can properly treat and manage a brain-related issue with a diagnosis. Call RHBNeuro or book your consultation online to determine if you are the right candidate for the electroencephalogram procedure.
