WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What do I need to know about an electroencephalogram (EEG)? An EEG is a test that measures the electrical activity in your brain. It can help healthcare providers decide what treatments you need. An EEG can also help diagnose or monitor any of the following: - Seizures
- Sleep disorders
- Brain infection, disease, or injury
- Brain activity during brain surgery or a coma
How do I prepare for an EEG? Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for an EEG. He will tell you what medicines to take or not take on the day of your test. Do not drink or eat foods with caffeine on the day of your test. Do not put oils or lotions on your scalp or hair for 24 hours before your test. This includes conditioner, hair spray, hair cream, or hair gel. Your healthcare provider may tell you to sleep less than usual the night before your test. What will happen during an EEG? - You will not feel pain during the test. Healthcare providers will ask you to lie still, and not talk during the test. A healthcare provider will put gel or cream on your scalp. He will place small discs in different places on your head. The discs will be connected to wires and a monitor. The monitor will show healthcare providers your brain's electrical activity.
- During the test you may be asked to change how fast you breathe. You may also be asked to look at pictures or a flashing light. The healthcare provider may make loud noises.
- Bright lights or loud noises may cause you to have a seizure during the test. Healthcare providers may give you medicine to control or stop your seizure. They will also protect you from injury.
- You may be given medicine to help you sleep during the test. You may also be videotaped during the test. The videotape will help healthcare providers look for signs of a seizure.
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