What is the full form of EEG

EEG: Electroencephalogram

EEG stands for Electroencephalogram. It is a test that is performed to check the electrical activity of the brain. The brain cells, which are called neurons, communicate with each other through electrical impulses.

EEG provides a measure of brain waves, i.e., how the brain functions over time. It tracks and records brain wave patterns or the electrical signals of the brain.

The machine used to perform this test comes with small metal discs with thin wires, which are called electrodes. These electrodes are placed on the scalp, where it sends signals to a computer to record the results. Normal brain activity makes a normal or recognizable pattern, but for abnormal brain activity, the pattern may be distorted or unrecognizable.

How EEG Works:

EEG is a safe and painless procedure. The electrodes placed on the scalp pick up electrical activity from the brain cells (neurons) inside your brain and forward it to a machine, where they are displayed as a series of lines recorded on a moving paper or displayed on a computer screen. After getting the results, the technician will take the electrodes off. A doctor who specializes in the brain, such as a neurologist, will analyse the recordings of your brain wave pattern.

Why is EEG Performed?

The EEG is performed to diagnose the following medical conditions or under the following circumstances:

• To diagnose and monitor seizure disorders
• To diagnose epilepsy and sleep disorders
• To find out the cause of other problems, such as sleep disorders and changes in behaviour
• To evaluate brain activity after a severe head injury or before a heart or liver transplant
• To show the type and location of the activity in the brain during a seizure
• To confirm or rule out various conditions such as Encephalitis, Brain Tumour, Encephalopathy, and Stroke Dementia

Risks

EEGs are painless and safe. Those who have epilepsy may occasionally purposefully induce seizures during the exam, but, if necessary, adequate medical treatment is given.

How do you get ready

• Medicines and food: Take your regular medicine unless otherwise directed.

Additional safety measures

• Don't use conditioners, hair creams, sprays, or style gels while washing your hair the night before or the day of the test. The adhesive patches that hold the electrodes may have a tougher time sticking to your scalp if you use hair products.
• If you need to sleep while having an EEG, your doctor may advise you to skip or limit sleep the night before the test.

What to anticipate

During an EEG:

During an EEG, you'll experience minimal to no discomfort. No feelings are transmitted by the electrodes. Your brain waves are only being recorded.

You can anticipate the following happening during an EEG:

• Your head is measured by the technician, who also uses a special pencil to mark your scalp where the electrodes should be placed. A gritty lotion may be used to cleanse certain areas of your scalp in order to enhance the recording.
• Your scalp is covered with discs (electrodes) by a technician using a specific glue. In other cases, an elastic cap containing electrodes is utilised in its place. The electrodes are linked to a device that amplifies and records brain waves on electronic devices.

An EEG normally lasts between 20 and 40 minutes once the electrodes are positioned. You must rest while being tested for specific problems. The exam may be extended in the situation.

• Throughout the exam, you unwind while lying in a cosy position with your eyes closed. The technician may ask you to make a few easy computations, read a passage, look at a picture, take many deep breaths, or gaze at a flashing light at various points.
• During the EEG, video is frequently captured. The EEG monitors your brain waves, while a video camera films your bodily movements. Your doctor can identify and treat your issue with the aid of this comprehensive recording.

Longer monitoring can be done outside of an office or a hospital with ambulatory EEGs (AEEGs). These EEGs, however, are not always a possibility. The possibility of recording during a seizure is increased by the fact that this test can capture brain activity over a period of many days. A mobile EEG is less effective at distinguishing between epileptic seizures and nonepileptic seizures than inpatient video EEG surveillance.

After the Test:

The technician removes the electrodes or cap following the test. After the operation, you should have no adverse effects if you didn't take a sedative. You ought to be able to resume your regular schedule.

It will take some time for the effects of any sedatives you may have taken to start to wear off. Make arrangements for someone to drive you home. Rest after you get home and avoid operating a vehicle for the remainder of the day.

Results

The recording is interpreted by physicians skilled in EEG analysis, who then report the findings to the physician who requested the EEG. To discuss the test findings, you might need to make an appointment with the doctor's office.

Bring a friend or family member with you if you can so they can assist you in recalling what was said at the appointment.

Make a list of inquiries to bring up with your physician, such as:

• Based on the findings, what should I do next?
• What, if any, follow-up do I require?
• Are there any variables that may possibly have had an impact on the test's outcomes?
• Will I have to take the test again?