Electroencephalogram

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 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 brain and how it is working. You will not get a shock from having an EEG. The machine or computer cannot "read your mind".
  
  
• EEGs can help caregivers learn about epilepsy (EP-i-lep-see). Epilepsy is a condition where you 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 care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

If you have seizure (SEE-zhur) problems, the flashing light or other things may cause a seizure during the EEG. Caregivers will be there to help you. If you do not have this test, caregivers may not be able to treat your illness.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Before Your EEG:

• Informed consent: A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
  
  
• Vital signs: Caregivers will check your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature. They will also ask about your pain. These vital signs give caregivers information about your current health.

During Your EEG:

• Your EEG will be done in a room that is dark and quiet. You will either lie in a bed or sit in a reclining chair during the test.
  
  
• A caregiver will measure your head and scrub (clean) 20 to 21 areas of your scalp. Then, a gel or cream will be placed on these areas. Electrodes (patches) or tiny needles that you 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. Lie still with your eyes closed. The EEG machine will record your brain waves on a moving strip of paper or on a computer.
  
  
• You may be asked to hyperventilate (hi-per-VEN-ti-late). This means you may need to breathe deeply and quickly for three to four minutes. You may be asked to look into a bright flashing light. Caregivers watch to see how these activities change your brain waves. Make sure you are comfortable before the test begins. Do not talk during the test. You may be videotaped during the EEG.

After Your EEG:

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