Electroencephalogram In Children

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• An electroencephalogram (e-lek-tro-en-SEF-ah-lo-gram) is usually called an "EEG". An EEG measures the electrical activity made by your child's brain. A machine or a computer is used to make a tracing that shows the electrical activity as "brain waves". Caregivers study this tracing to learn about your child's brain and how it is working. Your child will not get a shock from having an EEG. The machine or computer cannot "read" your child's mind.
  
  
• EEGs can help caregivers learn about epilepsy (EP-i-lep-see). Epilepsy is a condition where your child may have unusual electrical rhythms. These unusual rhythms may cause seizures (convulsions). EEGs also help caregivers learn about sleeping problems, brain injury, brain tumors, and many other problems.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers to decide what care you want for your child.

RISKS:

If your child has seizure (SEE-zhur) problems, the flashing light or other tests may cause a seizure during the EEG. Caregivers will be there to help him. If your child does not have this test, caregivers may not be able to treat your child's illness.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Before Your Child's EEG:

• Informed Consent:
  
  
  • You have the right to understand your child's health problem. You should understand what tests, treatments, or procedures may be done to treat your child's problem. Your child's caregiver should also tell you about the risks and benefits of each treatment.
    
    
  • You may be asked to sign a consent form. If you are unable to give your consent, someone who has permission can sign this form for your child. A consent form is a legal paper that gives caregivers permission to do tests, treatments, or procedures. This form should tell you exactly what will be done to your child. Your child's caregiver should explain what the risks and benefits of each treatment are before you sign the form. Before giving your consent, make sure all your questions have been answered. This way you will understand what may happen to your child.
  
  
• Vital Signs: This may include taking your child's temperature, pulse (heartbeats), respirations (breaths), and blood pressure. Your child's temperature may be taken in the mouth, ear, armpit, or rectum (rear-end). Caregivers may also listen to your child's heart and lungs by using a stethoscope (STETH-ah-skop).

During Your Child's EEG:

• Your child's EEG will be done in a room that is dark and quiet. Your child will either lie in a bed or sit in a reclining chair during the test.
  
  
• A caregiver will measure your child's head and scrub (clean) 16 to 25 areas of his scalp. Then, a gel or cream will be placed on these areas. Electrodes (patches) or tiny needles that your child will not feel will be placed on the gel or cream. The electrodes will be connected with wires to a machine or computer. An electrode may be put on each earlobe. Your child must lie still with his eyes closed. The EEG machine will record your child's brain waves on a moving strip of paper or on a computer.
  
  
• Your child may be asked to hyperventilate (hi-per-VEN-ti-late). This means he may need to breathe deeply and quickly for two to three minutes. Your child may be asked to look into a bright flashing light. Your child may be asked to go to sleep. Caregivers watch to see how these activities change your child's brain waves. Make sure your child is comfortable before the test begins. Your child must not talk during the test. Your child may be videotaped during the EEG.

After Your Child's EEG:

The electrodes and wires will be removed. A caregiver will remove the cream or gel from your child's scalp (skin of the head) and hair. Most EEGs are done in 60 to 90 minutes. You may wash your child's hair after the test. If you stopped giving any medicines because of the EEG, talk to your child's caregiver before you leave. Ask the caregiver when you should start giving your child the medicine again.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.