Electroencephalogram (EEG ):

An EEG (electroencephalogram) is used to help diagnose the presence and type of seizure disorders, confusion, head injuries, brain tumors, infections, degenerative diseases, and metabolic disturbances that affect the brain. It is also used to evaluate sleep disorders and to investigate periods of unconsciousness.

An EEG may be done to confirm brain death in a comatose patient. The procedure cannot be used to "read the mind," measure intelligence, or diagnose mental illness.

Preparation:

• Wash your hair the night before the test. No oils, sprays, or lotion should be used on your hair.

• You may be asked to discontinue some medications before the test.

• Avoid all foods containing caffeine for 8 hours before the test.

• It may be necessary to sleep during the test, so you may be asked to reduce your sleep time the night before.

Procedure:

• Performed by an EEG technician in a specially-designed room

• You will be positioned on your back on a table or in a reclining chair.

• Technician applies between 16 and 25 flat metal discs (electrodes) in different positions on your scalp.

• The discs are held in place with a sticky paste. The electrodes are connected by wires to an amplifier and the recording machine which converts the electrical signals into a series of wavy lines which are drawn onto a moving piece of graph paper.

How It Feels:

• Nothing is felt during the procedure.