Electroencephalography

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive test to study the health and functioning of your brain by recording electrical activity.

An EEG is commonly performed to assist in the identification of epilepsy, while also serving the function of excluding abnormal movements during both wakefulness and sleep.

• Standard (Routine) EEGs
  Standard (Routine) EEGs are typically conducted in the clinic room, with the patient being awake during the test.
• Sleep-deprived EEG tests
  Sleep-deprived EEG tests are performed when the patient has had less sleep than usual the night before the study. Being sleep-deprived increases the likelihood of detecting abnormal electrical activity, if present. It is advised to stay awake for as long as possible the night before the EEG test. While overnight naps are allowed, they should not exceed 2 hours in order to ensure the accuracy of the test.
• Prolonged EEG
  Prolonged EEG studies are specifically conducted on selected individuals to capture EEG readings during both awake and sleep states. This study is similar to a standard EEG, but it records for more than 3 hours, allowing for the detection of sleep-related EEG features and suspicious seizure events.

• To prepare for the test, it is recommended to cleanse your hair the night before without applying any hair products such as oil, gel, or hairspray.
• Additionally, it is advised to avoid wearing hair extensions as they may affect the accuracy of the results.
• If you wear religious headwear, please inform us if you require a female or male Neurophysiology scientist to conduct the test as the headwear may need to be removed.

• Prior to conducting the examination, the EEG specialist at Cadogan Medical, Nundah, will inquire about certain details pertaining to you, despite the possibility of you already providing this information to your physician.
• The specialist will delicately cleanse the scalp, position electrodes, and fasten them using an adhesive paste and gentle tape.
• A video recording is made as a precautionary measure in the event of an incident. This enables the neurologist to possess a precise visual documentation alongside the EEG recording.

The completion of a typical EEG procedure typically requires an hour, encompassing the electrode placement, recording of brain activity, and analysis by the Mater Epileptologist. However, a prolonged or sleep-deprived EEG may necessitate additional time. Our Neurophysiology scientist will provide an estimated duration, but the actual time may vary based on the individual’s ability to fall asleep.

The Neurophysiology scientist will carefully detach all the electrodes from your scalp. The regions where the discs have been positioned will be cleansed by the scientist; however, it is generally advised that you cleanse your hair at home subsequent to the completion of the test. There are no subsequent consequences from the EEG, thus you can resume your regular activities promptly.

The scientist conducting the EEG at Cadogan Medical, Nundah, is highly skilled in acquiring a high-quality EEG recording and is available to address any inquiries regarding the process. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the scientist is unable to disclose the test results, and the administrative staff cannot provide results via telephone. To obtain the results, it is necessary to coordinate with your doctor. In urgent cases, your doctor may contact our neurologist to obtain a preliminary report.

The EEG report will be faxed to your referring doctor.

• If you are coming in for an EEG to Cadogan Medical, Nundah, do not drive to the appointment.
• The EEG is completely safe and pain free.
• Wash your hair the night before.
• Please bring your doctor’s referral with you.