Neurological Testing Information and Instructions - EEG

Your provider has ordered an EEG for you. An EEG is a painless test that requires attaching electrodes to the scalp to record electrical activity of the brain. This test has no side effects. We do not use any needles or medication.

ROUTINE AND SLEEP EEG:

• Prior to the test it is important that you have a good meal.
• Wash and dry hair 24 hours before the test. No hairspray, mousse, gel or oily preparations should be used.
• Patients age 17 and under should have a sleep test.
• You may take your routine medications prior to the test.

THE TEST WILL TAKE APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR FOR THE STANDARD WAKE TRACING OR 1-1/2 HOURS FOR THE COMBINED WAKE AND SLEEP TRACING.

SLEEP STUDIES (OVER AGE 2 AND UP):

• No more than 4 hours sleep the night prior to the test. Go to bed at 12 Midnight and get up at 4:00 a.m.
• Sleep instructions for children/babies less than 2 years old are found in the next section.
• The primary purpose is to achieve natural sleep. NO sedation is used. Some patients may feel drowsy form lack of sleep. Those patients should be accompanied by another individual who will be able to drive them home.

SLEEP STUDIES FOR BABIES AND CHILDREN UNDER AGE 2:

• Put baby/child to bed at regular bedtime.
• Awaken at 4:00 a.m.
• Feed after baby/child has awakened
• NO FURTHER SLEEP OR FOOD (MILK, ETC) UNTIL IN THE EEG LAB.
• It is important that the baby/child DOES NOT SLEEP on the way to the EEG lab
• Bring 2 bottles if the baby is not breastfed.
• The baby should be very sleepy & hungry on arrival to the EEG lab.

Disclaimer
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