EEG (Electroencephalogram)

An EEG is a test that measures and records the electrical activity arising from the brain cells called neurons. This is a common diagnostic test ordered by health care providers when epilepsy is suspected to help diagnose and treat your condition. Other clinical uses of EEG are for stroke, tumor, head trauma, encephalopathy and brain death.

A routine EEG provides about 20 - 40 minutes of brain electrical activity while a patient is awake, drowsy or asleep. You may be asked to do deep breathing for 3 minutes and look at the flashes of light.

What to Bring

• Your physician order (your physician may have already sent this to us)
• Personal ID
• Insurance Card

How To Prepare

• Avoid food or drinks with caffeine on the day of the test.
• Take your usual medication unless instructed otherwise.
• Come with clean hair, do not use excessive hair spray, oil or conditioner.
• If you are expected to sleep during EEG testing, someone from the EEG lab will contact you to give instructions on how to prepare for a sleep deprived EEG. This is encouraged and is expected for young patients.
• Contact us if you wear a hair weave, sewn-on weave or “glued-on” toupee.

What to Expect

• During the setup, a technician will apply several small disc-shaped electrodes (wires) on your scalp using a special conductive paste that is washable with warm water, mild soap or shampoo.
• Once the test starts, you will be asked to relax, open your eyes, close your eyes, breathe deeply for at least 3 minutes, look at the flashing light and encouraged to fall asleep.

Getting the Results

A neurologist, a doctor who is specially trained in reading and interpreting the test, will interpret the data and send the result to your doctor.

Schedule an Appointment

Call North Oaks Patient Scheduling at (985) 230-7777 between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.