An EEG (Electroencephalogram) is a diagnostic tool that helps in measuring your brain’s activity. Brain activity can help our doctor to determine and diagnose brain related disorders such as epilepsy. In this blog we...
An EEG contains small flat metal electrodes that are attached on your skull with wires to record and track your brain wave patterns. These electrodes collect the electrical activity of the brain which is transferred to the computer for displaying and storing. These electrical impulses emitted from the brain look like waves. The valleys and peaks of these wavy lines are assessed by the doctor for abnormal patterns.
Why is EEG Performed?
EEG can be used to diagnose certain brain disorders that affect the electrical activity of the brain . EEG uses are as follows
- Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Stroke
- Brain tumour
- Head injury
- Inflammation of the brain- encephalitis
- Diseases causing brain dysfunction- encephalopathy
- Dementia
- Coma
- During brain surgery
- Creutzfeldt-jakob disease
What Are the Types of EEG Tests?
There are several types of EEG tests
- Routine EEG
- Prolonged EEG
- Ambulatory EEG
- Video EEG
- Sleep EEG
How to Prepare for an EEG Test?
Before the EEG test, you should follow the steps guided by your healthcare provider.
- Ask your doctor if your ongoing medication routine has to be changed
- You should wash your hair the night before the EEG test and not put any oil, gel, or spray on your hair.
- You should avoid eating or drinking anything that contains caffeine at least 8 hours before the test.
- If you are to undergo a sleep EEG test, you will be guided to sleep as little as possible the night before the EEG test.
- You might be injected with sedative injections to help you relax and sleep for the sleep EEG test. In that case you will need someone to drive you home.
- Other specific instructions will be given by your caregiver beforehand.
What Should I Expect During an EEG?
Below mentioned is what happens during an EEG
- You will be asked to lie on a comfortable bed
- Technician will mark your scalp and glue/paste about 23 electrodes.
- You will be asked to relax while you can close or keep your eyes open.
- You will be shown a bright light or asked to breathe differently while your brain activities will be recorded.
- If you have a seizure, your brain activity will b e recorded
- During routine EEG, your brain activities are recorded for about 23 minutes
- During prolonged EEG, the brain activity is measured for several hours
- For sleep EEG, your brain activity is measured while you are asleep.
- During an ambulatory EEG, you need to carry the portable EEG apparatus with you for 3 days while you perform your daily activities.
What Happens After an EEG Test?
Once your EEG test is over, your electrodes will be removed from your head but you might feel a little sticky and itchy, you can wash your head once your scan is done. If you are not guided otherwise, you can continue your daily activities as usual
What Are the Risks of EEG?
The side effects from an EEG are generally not present as it is a safe procedure, the electrical signals are safe and do not produce any electric shock or discomfort.
- If a person already has seizure disorder, he may acquaintance a seizure which can be induced due to light or deep breathing involved during the test.
Factors or medical conditions interfering with readings of EEG
- Hypoglycemia due to fasting (low blood sugar)
- Lights, especially bright or flashing
- Sedatives or other few medications
- Body or eye movements during the test
- Caffeine consumption before the test
- Oily or greasy hairs.
Conclusion
Epilepsy or seizures are the brain disorders that affect the electrical activity of the brain. These changes in electrical activity of the brain are recorded by the EEG test known as electroencephalogram. The EEG reports are formed as wavy lines which are interpreted and discussed with you by your doctor. Click here to get your EEG test booking online
Why Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center for Your EEG?
Ganesh Diagnostic Centre has been an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.
We have CT Scan which can offer report Images online as well. We also offer FLAT 50% OFF on EEG test.
Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations
NABH accreditation is proof of the highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.
We are known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades having created Lakhs of satisfied patients over the years!
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of diagnostic tests and scans as all services are available under one roof.
GDIC aims to provide the world’s advanced technology at the most reasonable and lowest price.
The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Patients can rely upon EEG test reports as reports are 100% accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an EEG Test Used For?
The EEG or electroencephalogram test is a test that helps your doctor to measure the brain's electrical activity. The test involves placing electrodes on your head/scalp. It can help diagnose various disorders of the brain that affect electrical activity of the brain such as epilepsy, sleep disorders or brain tumours etc.
What Does EEG Do to the Brain?
The EEG test helps record the electrical activity of the brain using small flat electrodes that have sticky ends which are stuck on your skull. The test can help determine the changes in brain activity which may occur in epilepsy, shock, tumour or other brain disorders.
What is a Normal EEG Result?
The EEG reports are generated in the form of waveforms. These waveforms are studied for their frequency, amplitude, and location. These characteristics are used to define the normal or abnormal activity of the brain.
Can EEG Detect Brain Tumours?
Yes an EEG can detect and locate the abnormally functioning brain that produces abnormal activity of the brain. An EEG can detect cancer, tumour, inflammation, infection, head injury and other disorders like epilepsy, narcolepsy or others.
Can EEG Tell Brain Damage?
For a traumatic brain injury, an EEG has been the first neurodiagnostic approac.
Is EEG Test Painful?
When it comes to risks or side effects of EEG test, and its relative uncomfortability, the EEG test is painless, non-invasive, comfortable and safe. No electricity is put into your brain but the brain electrical activity is recorded. Apart from getting sticky or messy hair, you might feel a little tired.
Is EEG Test Good?
An EEG test does not make you feel uncomfortable. It is generally a safe procedure that is being used since ages. The electrodes used during the test do not give you electric shock but only record your brain’s electrical activity.
Can an EEG Detect Anxiety?
Certain mental health problems often represent a common symptoms- anxiety. Certain EEG markers can detect/predict anxiety.
What is the Cost of EEG Test?
The price of EEG test can vary from one diagnostic centre to another. It can also differ depending on the type of EEG test being performed. It generally costs between 1600-3500 INR.
Can I Eat Before EEG Test?
You can eat normally but you should avoid taking caffeine and its products or other stimulatory drugs before the EG test as they might interfere with the results of EEG. you are generally suggested to not take caffeinated products at least 8 hours prior to the test.
