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EEG (Electroencephalogram)

An EEG is a test that measures and records the electrical activity from the brain cells, which are called neurons. An EEG is a common diagnostic test ordered by healthcare providers when epilepsy is suspected to help diagnose and treat a person’s condition. Other clinical uses of EEG are for stroke, tumor, head trauma, encephalopathy (a serious neurological change) and brain death.

Imaging technologists record electrical activity from the brain using electrodes. With this procedure, there are 16 to 25 small discs with thin wires temporarily adhered to the scalp. North Oaks offers routine electroencephalograms (EEG), ambulatory EEG and video EEG monitoring.

A routine EEG provides about 30 to 40 minutes of brain electrical activity while a patient is awake, drowsy or asleep. On occasion, your medical provider may request a longer EEG recording lasting up to two hours in duration. A patient also may be asked to do deep breathing for three minutes and look at the flashes of light.

What to Bring

  • Your medical provider order (Your medical provider may have already sent this to us.)
  • Personal ID
  • Insurance card

How to Prepare

  • Avoid food or drinks with caffeine on the day of the test.
  • Take your usual medication(s) unless instructed otherwise.
  • Come to your appointment with clean hair, and do not use excessive hair spray, oil or conditioner.
  • If you are expected to sleep during the EEG testing, someone from the EEG lab will contact you and share instructions on how to prepare for a sleep-deprived EEG. This is encouraged and is expected for young patients.
  • Contact us if you wear a hair weave, sewn-on weave or “glued-on” hairpiece.

What to Expect

  • During the setup, a technician will apply several small disc-shaped electrodes (wires) on your scalp using a special conductive paste that is washable with warm water, mild soap or shampoo.
  • Once the test starts, you will be asked to relax, open your eyes, close your eyes, breathe deeply for at least three minutes, look at the flashing light and then to fall asleep.

Getting the Results

A neurologist, a physician who is specially trained in reading and interpreting the test, will interpret the data and send the results to your medical provider.

Schedule an Appointment

Call North Oaks Scheduling at (985) 230-7777 between 7 am and 5:30 pm.

If you are a provider and need to send an order, please fax it to (985) 230-6781.

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