HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE TEST

Medication: Unless we give you different instructions, please continue the normal schedule of medication.

Hair: Your child’s hair should be clean, so please shampoo it thoroughly the day of the test. Do not use any oils, sprays, conditioners or other hair products (this will help the electrodes stick to the scalp). Please, no braids, clips or hair pins. Hair must be down or loose.

Sleep deprivation: All patients must be sleep deprived. Your child should get a maximum of 5 hours sleep the night before, take no naps that day, and not sleep in the car on the way to the test.

Diet: No caffeine (chocolate, tea, coffee or soda) the day of the test.

Clothes: Your child should wear a loose, comfortable shirt or top.

ARRIVING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

Traffic: Allow extra time during rush hours (7 to 9 am and 4 to 7 pm)

Arrive early: please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.

Have your child use the bathroom: Have your child attempt to use the bathroom upon arrival. The test takes about an hour, and cannot be stopped for a bathroom break. Restrooms are located off the hall from the main building lobby.

IN-OFFICE EEGS

Follow all preparation points on this page. Allow approximately one hour for the test.

AMBULTORY EEGs

Please have the child wear a button-up shirt. Because the test will last one to several days, and the child will have electrodes attached to his or her head the entire time, the child will not be able to take a shower.

LATE ARRIVAL / CANCELLATION / MISSED APPOINTMENT POLICY

Late arrivals: Arrivals later than 15 minutes past the scheduled appointment time MUST be rescheduled and will be charged the missed appointment fee.

Cancellations made 48 hours prior to the appointment and made during business hours will NOT be charged the missed appointment fee.

Cancellations made less than 48 hours prior to the appointment, missed appointments, and late arrivals will be charged a $50 missed appointment fee which must be paid before your next visit. The missed appointment fee is NOT billable to or covered by insurnace. It is your personal responsibility.

About EEG testing

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test used to detect abnormalities related to electrical activity of the brain. This procedure tracks and records brain wave patterns. Small metal discs with thin wires (electrodes) are placed on the scalp and send signals to a computer to record the results. Normal electrical activity in the brain makes a recognizable pattern. Through an EEG, we can look for abnormal patterns that indicate seizures and other problems.

Why an EEG test is done

The most common reason for an EEG is to diagnose and monitor seizure disorders. EEGs can also help to identify causes of other problems such as sleep disorders and changes in behavior.

How the test is done

Most EEGs are performed right here in our office. Your child will be asked to lie on a bed or sit in a chair. The technician will attach electrodes to different locations on the scalp using adhesive paste. Each electrode is connected to an amplifier and EEG recording machine. The electrical signals from the brain are converted into wavy lines on a computer screen and stored digitally. Your child will be asked to lie still because movement can alter the results.

EEGs are very safe. If your child has a seizure disorder, we may might want to stimulate and record a seizure during the EEG. A seizure can be triggered by flashing lights or a change in breathing pattern. The technician will know your child’s medical history and will be prepared for any issues that may arise during the test.

Most in-office EEGs take about an hour to perform. If your child is required to sleep during the EEG, the test will take longer. You might be able to stay in the room with your child, or you can step outside to a waiting area.

Other types of EEGs: ambulatory and EMU

While most EEGs are performed in our office, occasionally the hour allotted for an in-office EEG does not capture the brain activity we want to examine. In this case, we may perform an ambulatory EEG, where the child wears electrodes and a “backpack” for several days to capture the information. An EMU (Epilepsy Monitoring Unit) is an all-day EEG performed at a hospital. In addition to electrodes attached to the scalp, a video camera also records eye movement. The test takes between 24 and 72 hours.

Please make a follow-up appointment for the results

After your child has taken the EEG, please stop at the front desk to schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the results with the doctor. If no one is available at the desk, please call to schedule a a follow-up appointment.