EEG Procedure

The test is performed by an EEG technologist. First, the technologist will measure your head so they can put the electrodes in the right place. A wax crayon, which can be easily washed off later, is used to mark the points on your scalp where the electrodes should be placed.

The electrodes are usually held in place by a paste that is easy to wash off when the test is over. The technologist will probably scrub each position on your scalp with a mildly abrasive cream before applying the electrodes. This helps give a high quality recording.

The EEG room is quiet and often dimly lit. During the test, the technologist may ask you do things like:

• Open and close your eyes several times.
• Look at flashing lights.
• Breath rapidly or deeply.
• Tell her if you feel any seizure symptoms coming on during the test.

If you fall asleep during the test, that's fine. It may even be helpful, because an EEG while you are asleep may give extra information. Sometimes doctors ask patients to stay up the entire night before an EEG, because sleep deprivation can increase the chance "epilepsy waves" will be recorded.

After the EEG recording is done, the technologist will take the electrodes off your scalp. Then you can go home and wash the paste out of your hair. The doctor usually reads the EEG after you have left. Be sure to make a follow-up appointment so your doctor can tell you the results of the EEG.