What is an electroencephalogram (EEG)?
EEG is recording the electrical activity of the brain (similar to ECG which records the electrical activity of the heart). Plenty of electrodes are attached to your child’s scalp to measure the pattern of electrical activity in different areas of the brain. These patterns are represented by wavy lines that help the doctor determine where the abnormal brain activity is occurring.
How to get your child ready for an EEG
Wash your child’s hair with shampoo before you bring him to the hospital. Please do not use conditioner, gel or oil on your child’s hair.
Sedation
If your child cannot lie still for the test (usually less than 5 years old), he may need to take a mild sedative. A sedative is a medicine that will often make him sleepy so he can lie still. Your doctor will decide the best sedative and dose for your child. It is important that the child is sleep deprived so the sedative works successfully and the test can be completed. Please check with the doctor about how to sleep deprive your child. Please bring something for the child to eat or drink, like juice or milk, to help him fall asleep quicker.
During an EEG
An EEG takes about 30-40 minutes. It does not hurt. Usually, children lie on a bed during an EEG. Parents are usually allowed to stay with their child while the test is done. Many electrodes will be applied to your child’s head with a sticky paste and secured with cotton. Once all the electrodes are applied, they are connected to a computer and the recording starts.
During the test, the we may ask your child to:
Breathe deeply for three minutes
Open and close his eyes
Watch a flashing bright light for a few minutes
Try and sleep
These exercises are done to stimulate certain types of brain activity.
After the EEG
After the test, the electrodes will be removed and with a wipe you could clean the child’s scalp where needed. You would need to shampoo the hair to remove all the paste properly.
Your child may be sleepy, unsteady while walking or irritable due to the sedation. These would improve over the next 6-8 hours, and often after a good sleep. Ensure your child is well hydrated by giving lots of fluids and keep a close eye if they wake up and insist on playing as they may fall and sustain injuries.
Your doctor will provide a comprehensive report and give it to you.