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When a neurologist wants to investigate or rule out seizure activity, ordering an Electroencephalogram (EEG) is usually a key part of the initial workup.

An EEG is a safe, painless test that acts like a microphone for your brain, recording its electrical whispers. Small metal discs (electrodes) are gently placed on your scalp. These electrodes pick up your brain's natural signals, which appear as wavy patterns on a computer. By analyzing these wave patterns, doctors can gain vital insights into your brain’s function and help determine the likelihood of seizure activity.

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The different types of EEG testing

Your doctor will choose the type of EEG best suited to your specific symptoms (how often your events happen, how clear they are clinically, and your daily routine). It’s helpful to know which kind you’ll be having:

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Preparing for your EEG: First things first

Regardless of the type of EEG ordered, a little preparation goes a long way.

• Take a deep breath and relax: This is just a test to help find the right answers. It may not always lead to a diagnosis, and that doesn’t mean there’s no answer.
• Wash your hair: Use shampoo, but avoid conditioners, oils, or sprays. This ensures the sticky paste used to attach the electrodes can make good contact with your scalp. Depending on the test, you won't be able to wash your hair until the study is complete.
• Discuss sleep with your doctor: For certain shorter studies (like a Routine EEG), your doctor may specifically ask you to be sleep-deprived when you arrive. This slight stress can sometimes increase the likelihood of detecting subtle abnormalities.
• Continue your medications: Unless your doctor specifically instructs you otherwise, continue taking all of your normal medications. Suddenly stopping certain drugs can alter your brain waves and, in some cases, induce a seizure.

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The day of your test

Your EEG may be done in an outpatient facility, an epilepsy unit in a hospital, or even in the comfort of your own home (ambulatory). The process remains generally the same:

1. Electrode placement: A trained technician will gently part your hair and apply the small electrodes to your scalp using a non-toxic, sticky paste. They work to ensure good contact.
2. Simple tasks: Once the electrodes are applied, you might be asked to perform simple, brief actions, such as opening and closing your eyes, taking deep breaths (hyperventilation), or looking at a harmless flashing light. These activities can sometimes prompt specific wave changes in the brain.
3. During monitoring: If you are having a prolonged or video EEG, you may be asked to sleep with the wires on. In these continuous studies, you will often be given a button to press if you feel an event starting or if you experience something unusual. Pressing this button flags the exact moment for the epilepsy specialist to review later.

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Will it hurt?

The EEG itself is completely painless. You will not feel any electricity or energy from the electrodes. They are only receiving signals, not sending them.

When the test is complete, the electrodes are removed. The sticky residue will wash out easily when you shampoo your hair. You should not feel drowsy and will be perfectly able to drive yourself home.

The final, and most important, step: RELAX and patiently wait for your doctor to contact you with the results and your next steps.

Your Neura care team can help you prep for any diagnostic tests and answer your questions. Members can book twice-monthly coaching visits with one of our care coaches and use the in-app messaging feature to get in touch.

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