An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a recording of brain activity
This is a painless test, small sensors are attached to the scalp to pick up the electrical signals produced by the brain.The main use of an EEG is to detect and investigate epilepsy, a condition that causes repeated seizures.Less often, an EEG may be used to investigate other problems, such as:
dementia
head injury and concussion
brain tumours
encephalitis (brain inflammation)
sleep disorders, such as sleep apnoea.
Preparation for EEG
Hair: Wash thoroughly with shampoo the night before or morning of, but skip conditioner, hairspray, gel, oils, or braids/weaves, as they block electrodes.
Caffeine & Alcohol: Do not consume coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, or alcohol for at least 8-12 hours before the test.
Medications: Take all prescribed meds unless your doctor tells you to stop; bring a list.
Sleep: Follow your doctor’s specific instructions, which might involve getting only 4-5 hours of sleep the night before (sleep deprivation) to trigger events.
Food: You can usually eat normally, but avoid low blood sugar by eating a good meal, and don’t fast.
Transport: Arrange a ride home if you’re sleep-deprived.
During the EEG
Expect about 20 electrodes placed on your scalp with paste or a cap.
You’ll relax while the machine records brainwaves; you might be asked to breathe deeply or look at flashing lights.
After the EEG
You can wash the paste out of your hair with regular shampoo.
You can usually resume normal activities, but arrange transport if sleep-deprived.