What are the different EEG system types?
The electroencephalography system (EEG) records the electrical activity of the brain and is often used to diagnose several neurological disorders, including epilepsy. Various EEG systems are available; The patient's symptoms and illness determine which system can be used. Routine EEG is one of the more common neurological diagnostic tools used, followed by EEG outpatient and video.
The EEG routine system involves the use of small electrodes connected to the main electrical and computer unit, which is responsible for rendering the course of the called tracks. Different brain areas correspond to a specific track. In order to capture each track, the electrodes are strategically placed in different areas of the head and face, corresponding to the specific area of the brain. While EEG is served, the patient is usually in a dark or matt -lit room lying on a comfortable bed or armchair.
Sometimes patients asked are several activities to increase the likelihood of recording neurological abnormalities. Fast opening and closing the eyes and deep breathing are just two possible activities that the EEG technologist will give to the patient. The technologist may also light up rapidly flashing lights into the patient's eyes, which further increases the possibility that neurological abnormality occurs.
Sleep during the EEG routine is usually the second part of the test. Doctors may ask patients to refrain from sleeping at night before the planned EEG. This is another method for inducing abnormal neurological values, especially in the case of epilepsy. The total test time can be between 40 minutes to one hour depending on the person who takes the test.
In some patients with epilepsy, EEG routine may be inconclusive, requires the need for further testing. Rutine EEG records only about 20 to 40 minutes of brain activity, which may not reflect abnormalities that can occur many hours later. To solve this problem mOhou doctors order video EEG or outpatient EEG to provide a larger neurofeedback.
The EEG ambulatory system portability allows the patient to undergo normal daily activities in recording any brain abnormalities. Like the EEG routine system, the electrodes are connected to a small portable device usually placed in the shoulder bag, which records the brain's electrical activity. On the other hand, the EEG video system allows minimal physical activity and at the same time a routine EEG will remain in the studied room. Video EEG is usually done in an inpatient environment to achieve better results.