What can I expect while watching EEG?
EEG or electroencephalogram is a medical diagnostic tool used to measure electrical activity in the brain. During the EEG, electricity is not transferred to the brain. Thoughts and memories are not recorded during the EEG. The three most common EEG types are standard, outpatient and video. EEG is commonly used to diagnose and evaluate brain disorders such as epilepsy.
During standard EEG monitoring, the patient will be asked to lie for about one hour. Up to 64 wires are located on different points on the head and the machine quietly measures electricity in the brain. In some cases, standard EEG is performed during sleep deprivation. This requires the patient to have less than four hours of sleep. Sleep deprivation causes stress and fatigue, which can bring electrical changes in the brain.
Ambulatory EEG involves carrying a storage cap on the head with wires connected to the "hat". The EEG portable monitoring unit is worn around the belt. The portable unit measures changes in electrical brain waves during normsof the aal activities. The outpatient EEG can be worn for several weeks or more, depending on the information that the attending physician must collect. During this time, drugs can be administered at different doses as needed for the treatment of contemporary disease.
Patients suffering from severe epilepsy or sleep disorder can be asked to track EEG video. Video EEG follows the same procedures as standard EEG, but patients often remain in the hospital during the procedure. In addition to leading the heads on the head to measure brain electrical waves, a video camera is set to record the patient. If a seizure occurs, the video is compared with reading EEG for better understanding of health.
Before the EEG monitoring day, the doctors will provide the doctors that are presented for the procedure. Typical instructions include hair washing before reporting for EEG, taking all medicines according to prescribed and food asusually. Patients may be asked not to raise before EEG.
On the day of monitoring EEG, patients often sit in a comfortable chair or lie on the bed. Lead wires are placed on the head with washable glue. At least 20 wires are usually used for EEG, but more can be used if necessary. Medical staff may ask the patient to perform certain tasks during the EEG monitoring, including the view of bright light, severe breathing and comfortably resting with his eyes closed.