Electroencephalogram (EEG) patient information

Innovative Healthcare Services offers personal neurodiagnostic testing available to all patients. One of our key services is the EEG (electroencephalogram) test. This test measures the electrical activity of the brain. An EEG is very similar to an EKG that monitors your heart. The equipment records the electrical impulses generated by the brain and displays them onto a computer screen where they can be viewed as brain waves.

How The Test is Performed

The EEG test is a painless procedure which takes approximately 1 hour. The patient will be asked to either lie down or sit comfortably in a chair. Next, electrodes in the form of small metal disks are applied to the scalp with a special paste. Finally, these electrodes are attached with wires to the equipment to record the brain waves.

During the test the patient can expect the following to occur:

Periods of eye opening exercises
Questions may be asked by the technologist for assessment
Photic Stimulation will be performed. During this procedure a series of flashing lights will be shown at different frequencies.
Deep breathing exercises

Upon completion, the technologist will remove the electrodes and will clean your scalp. This generally does not remove all of the paste from your hair, so it is advised that you bring a hat or brush for after testing.

Ambulatory Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Innovative Healthcare Services also offers Ambulatory EEG testing. This is a 24/72 hour Electroencephalogram take home study which requires the patient to carry a backpack unit to store the studies brain waves. Application of the electrodes for the test are very similar to the standard testing. The exception to this is we use a special adhesive called collodian to better secure the electrodes for this long term study. The participant will be required to keep a diary of their daily activities while being monitored which needs to be logged until the unit is undone. Button down shirts would be appropriate attire for this testing.