What is electroencephalography?
In electroencephalography, electrodes are used to detect electrical activity in the brain. Electrical activity detected by electrodes is recorded and converted to a format that can be explored by a doctor. The most common use of EEG (EEG) is to diagnose epilepsy. Electroencephalography can also be used to evaluate brain injuries, diagnose coma conditions and determine whether a person who has suffered serious brain trauma and is suspected of being dead has a chance of recovering. These cells emit electrical activity because they transmit information through the process called electrochemical signaling, in which the charge of cell membranes temporarily changes. When neurons shoot, they emit electricity formulas that change depending on the type of stimuli that the brain receives and to how the brain reacts to stimuli. Certain types of injuries or disks cause the brain to emit different types of brain waves or less electrical activity completely. The doctor may therefore read the electricRohencephalogram and diagnose based on recorded electrical activity, except for results from other types of tests.
Typical electroencephalographic procedure takes approximately one hour. During the test, the patient sits or lie while brain activity is recorded. The brain activity is recorded by approximately 20 electrodes that are connected to the scalp with a special type of adhesive. Electrodes are also covered with a gel that improves their ability to pick up electrical activity. The test is painless and largely without risk. The main risk is that someone has seizures, which is actually the desired effect because it helps to diagnose epileptic conditions.
other types of electroencephalographiedéle to complete. In sleep EEG, electrical activity is recorded for two to three hours, while the patient sleeps. In an outpatient EEG, the patient is equipped with a portable EEG recorder and can go home. ElectricalThe activity is recorded up to 24 hours, while the patient participates in his normal daily activities.
In order to prepare for EEG, the patient may be asked to avoid caffeine for one or two days before the test to prevent the stimulating properties of this substance. In addition, on EEG Day, hair products such as gel, lacquer or wax should be used, as these products can disrupt the application of electrodes. Someone who goes through electroencephalography of sleep could be asked to stay awake before to help them fall asleep more easily during the test.
Someone to be scheduled for electroencephalography for the diagnosis of epilepsy can be asked by his doctor to stop taking antidepressant or antiseizure drugs for one or two days before the test. This is because the stopping of drugs increases the likelihood that an EEG will occur. In addition, the patient can be exposed to stimuli -inducing seizures such as flashing lights. These measures are taken because the aim of the EEG is youevaluate brain activity during seizure episodes.