Electroencephalography, commonly referred to as EEG, is an effective tool in studying and diagnosing the causes of seizures and other signs of abnormal brain activity. As the only certified neurodiagnostic center in Panama City and the surrounding areas, our team is equipped to uncover the causes of your symptoms.
EEGs monitor the electrical activity in your brain, evaluating the impulses between your brain cells to detect abnormalities. To perform this noninvasive test, your doctor attaches a series of electrodes to your scalp. The electrodes monitor your brain’s activity and send the information to a computer where it is later analyzed.
An EEG typically takes 60 to 90 minutes to complete and is performed in the comfort of our office. You’ll spend the duration of the test reclined on a treatment bed or in a comfortable chair. Your symptoms will dictate whether you will be awake or asleep during the test.
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend an ambulatory EEG to collect data over the course of at least a day in the comfort of your home. With this type of EEG, the electrodes are connected to a compact recording device. After you return the equipment, your doctor is able to review the results the same way they would for a conventional EEG.
A recent head injury, seizure or other symptoms of a brain abnormality are all reasons your doctor would order an EEG. It can also be used to monitor brain activity in a comatose patient.
EEGs can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions, including:
Your neurologist will give you detailed, personalized instructions concerning your medications, so be sure to discuss all of the medications, vitamins and supplements you currently take.
It’s recommended to abstain from caffeine for at least 24 hours prior to the test. It is also important to wash your hair the night before the EEG and refrain from styling products and leave-in conditioners.
If you require a sedative for the EEG, be sure to arrange a ride home.
An EEG, or electroencephalogram, is a non-invasive study that measures electrical activity in the brain. Small electrodes are placed on your scalp, which detect the electrical signals produced by brain cells. The EEG machine records these signals, allowing doctors to observe brain waves and identify any abnormalities.
An EEG study helps diagnose a range of neurological conditions by detecting abnormal brain activity. It’s commonly used to diagnose epilepsy, sleep disorders, brain injuries, infections, and conditions that affect the brain’s electrical signals. The results provide valuable insight into how your brain is functioning.
A doctor may order an EEG if you experience symptoms like seizures, unexplained fainting, or unusual sensations. It can also be used to assess brain activity during sleep or evaluate conditions like epilepsy, brain injuries, or infections that affect brain function. Your neurologist will explain why it’s necessary based on your symptoms.
While an MRI provides detailed images of brain structures, an EEG focuses on the brain’s electrical activity. An EEG can detect issues like epilepsy, seizure disorders, or abnormal brain waves that may not show up on an MRI. It’s particularly useful for assessing functional brain activity in real-time.
An EEG can help diagnose several conditions, including epilepsy, sleep disorders, brain injuries, infections, strokes, brain tumors, and conditions causing abnormal brain activity. It is also used to evaluate cognitive disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease, and to monitor brain function during surgeries.
Preparing for an EEG is simple. You’ll be asked to arrive with clean, dry hair and avoid using hair products like gels or sprays. You may be advised to stay awake the night before if the study requires sleep deprivation. Your neurologist will go over any specific instructions or preparations based on your individual needs.
Before an EEG, avoid consuming caffeine or stimulants, as these can affect the results. You should also refrain from using hair products like gels or sprays, as these can interfere with electrode placement. Your doctor may provide additional instructions depending on your specific study.
Certain factors can interfere with EEG results, such as caffeine, alcohol, or medications that affect brain activity. Movement, muscle contractions, or anxiety during the study can also distort the readings. It’s essential to follow your doctor’s preparation instructions to ensure accurate results.
During an EEG, small electrodes are placed on your scalp to detect electrical activity in the brain. You’ll be asked to relax and remain still while the study is performed, which typically takes around 60 to 90 minutes. In some cases, you may be asked to perform tasks or sleep to trigger specific brain activity.
An EEG typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes (depending upon the length of your hair). However, some studies, like ambulatory EEGs, can be worn over a longer period to monitor brain activity throughout the day or night. Your neurologist will let you know what to expect based on the type of EEG being performed.
EEG results are usually available within a few hours to a day. A neurologist will review the data, and you’ll be scheduled for a follow-up appointment to discuss the results. In some cases, additional tests may be recommended based on the findings.