This may include video consent for some EEGs.īefore the test starts, your scalp will be cleaned and about 20 small sensors called electrodes will be attached using a special glue or paste. You'll also be asked whether you consent to treatment for the various parts of the test to be carried out. The clinical neurophysiologist will explain the procedure to you and can answer any questions you have. There are several different ways an EEG recording can be taken. Some people bring a hat to cover their hair until they can wash it at home afterwards. You might want to bring a hairbrush or comb with you, as your hair may be a bit messy when the test is finished. To help the sensors stick to your scalp more easily, you should make sure your hair is clean and dry before arriving for your appointment, and avoid using products such as hair gel and wax. Unless told otherwise, you can usually eat and drink beforehand and continue to take all your normal medication.

Your appointment letter will mention anything you need to do to prepare for the test. Less often, an EEG may be used to investigate other problems, such as:

An EEG will help your doctor identify the type of epilepsy you have, what may be triggering your seizures and how best to treat you. The main use of an EEG is to detect and investigate epilepsy, a condition that causes repeated seizures. It may help identify the cause of certain symptoms – such as seizures (fits) or memory problems – or find out more about a condition you've already been diagnosed with.

When an EEG is usedĪn EEG can be used to help diagnose and monitor a number of conditions affecting the brain. The EEG procedure is usually carried out by a highly trained specialist, called a clinical neurophysiologist, during a short visit to hospital. These signals are recorded by a machine and are looked at by a doctor. An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a recording of brain activity.ĭuring this painless test, small sensors are attached to the scalp to pick up the electrical signals produced by the brain.

Abnormal eeg normal vs epilepsy