What is an EEG?
The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that’s designed to test for abnormalities in your brain’s electrical activity. To perform an EEG, your provider at Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center attaches small electrodes to your head that record the electrical impulses in your brain. The recording forms a type of graph that your provider reads to determine whether there are any unusual spikes in activity that may signal a problem.
The test is completely harmless as the electrodes are attached to your scalp using a special adhesive.
Why would I need an EEG?
The providers at Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center primarily use an EEG to diagnose seizure disorders, including epilepsy, which affects 3.4 million people in the United States. Epilepsy is a problem in your central nervous system that causes abnormal brain activity that can lead to seizures.
While most people think of a seizure as an episode in which your body convulses uncontrollably, which can happen, a seizure may also manifest itself as:
- Staring off into space
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Extreme fear or anger
If you experience any of the above symptoms, an electroencephalogram is the best tool for figuring out whether your brain’s irregular brain waves are responsible for the episodes.
While seizure disorders like epilepsy are the most common reason for an electroencephalogram, the team at Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center also use this tool to diagnose:
- Brain lesions that stem from tumors or a stroke
- Sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Brain trauma
Any time your brain may be involved, an EEG can shed some important light.
How do I prepare for an EEG?
Because an electroencephalogram is a noninvasive procedure, there’s not much you need to do to prepare in advance of your test at Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center. Both adults and children tolerate the procedure extremely well and if there are any special instructions, your provider makes sure you’re aware of them beforehand.
To learn more about how an EEG may help with your diagnosis, call Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center or set up an appointment using the online scheduling tool.
