What To Expect
When Your Child Has An EEG
(Outpatient)
What is an EEG?
· An EEG (Electroencephalogram) records the electrical activity of the brain. Sensors (electrodes) are attached to your child’s head and hooked up by wires to a computer. The computer records the brain's electrical activity on paper as wavy lines. Abnormalities can be detected by observing changes in the normal pattern of the brain's electrical activity.
Before the test:
· For a SLEEP DEPRIVED EEG: You do not need to keep your child awake all night; simply put him/her to bed 1-2 hours later than usual and wake up 1-2 hours earlier. For toddlers: if the EEG is scheduled for the afternoon, skip a nap so your child will be ready to sleep.
· Do not hold regular medications unless otherwise instructed.
Your appointment:
· Arrive at your scheduled registration time.
· Bring a bottle, toys, books, etc. to help distract your child and put him/her at ease.
The EEG:
· We gather different data from brain wave activity while the child is awake, tired and asleep. The test should last between 60-90 minutes.
· An EEG is noninvasive – there are no needle sticks, pain or discomfort. Our EEG technicians are highly trained and rarely use sedation.
· Many small “stickers” will be placed on your child’s head with a toothpaste-like adhesive. Once the stickers have been placed, the recording process begins. The technician may have your child breathe quickly, look at flashing lights, close his/her eyes, etc.
Test results:
· When the test is completed you may return home to your usual activities. We may contact you within 72 hours after the test is completed. However careful analysis and review with other consultants may take up to a week before we can provide you with a final result. We would appreciate your understanding and patience.