Electroencephalogram (EEG)

1. Electroencephalogram (EEG)

2. What is a EEG ? • An EEG is used to record the electrical activity of the brain by picking up the electrical signals from the brain cells. This tiny electrical signals are called impulses . These signals are picked up by flat metal disks called electrodes that are attached to your head. The results are recorded on paper or on a computer. The recording machine changes the electrical signals into patterns that look like a bunch of wavy lines. • These recordings show how the brain is working. • Before the test, the technician measures your head to work out where to place the electrodes. Each electrode is held in place using a sticky paste. Once the electrodes are attached they are connected to the recording machine. • The test lasts about 30 minutes were you will probably be sitting or lying down. You will need to have your eyes closed because movement can change the results. But, you may be asked to do certain things during the test, such as breathe fast and deeply for several minutes or look at a bright flashing light

3. What can an EEG show you? • An EEG is used to look at your brain activity. It is used to help diagnose or monitor seizures, Abnormal changes in body chemistry that affect the brain, Brain diseases ,Head injuries, Infections and Tumours. It can also be used Evaluate sleep disorders, Monitor the brain during brain surgery and to see a patient in a deep coma has no activity in the brain. This could determine if they are brain dead and help them work out what the next step is for that patient.