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An EEG measures electrical activity in the brain and is commonly used to diagnose seizure disorders. It can also be used to evaluate other conditions, but results can be affected by patient compliance. Variations in brain activity may require further testing for confirmed results.
An electroencephalogram (EEG) evaluates the electrical activity produced by the brain, which can indicate or rule out certain conditions, most commonly seizure disorders. The test takes about an hour to complete, and the results are automatically sketched on paper, while a video monitor records patient movement, which can interrupt the test.
An adult’s EEG is easier to read than a child’s, as there is less variation in brain activity. There is often so much variation in brain activity that a reading taken on a child may be consistent with epilepsy where none exists. Generally, seizure disorder in children without the presence of identifiable seizures requires further testing for confirmed results.
As a test progresses, if it is being used to look at seizure disorder, a person may be directed to watch for flashing lights, which could trigger a seizure. The lights go out if the readings show a person is in pre-crisis mode. This means that the person generally does not have a seizure during the test, but that they show electrical activity consistent with what would become a seizure.
An EEG can also be used to evaluate other conditions. For example, people who come to the hospital in an altered state of consciousness, perhaps after a head injury, would probably have this test done. Migraines have been shown to produce similar patterns, and people who suffer from them can have this test done to confirm a diagnosis. Some psychiatric disorders that are organic in nature may also show a distinct pattern of electrical activity.
People with tumors or with brain abscesses may also show lack of electrical activity in some aspects of the test. An EEG can also measure a total lack of brain activity, confirming a patient’s death.
Typically, this test is very useful for measuring a patient who can be compliant. A screaming child, for example, or a patient with extreme mental disorder who cannot remain calm will have corrupted results. For babies, it is usually scheduled during a child’s nap.
Not all brain function can be measured by an EEG. X-rays or more complex scans would likely follow a test suggesting a tumor or swelling of the skull to confirm the diagnosis. The electrical patterns of the brain are measured against “normal scans,” so the test can be an excellent tool for suggesting variance. However, medical professionals may have to look further to confirm the real meanings of these variations.
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