EEG systems record brain activity and diagnose neurological disorders. Routine, ambulatory, and video monitoring EEGs are available. Electrodes are placed on the scalp and face to capture waveforms, and patients may be asked to perform activities or sleep during the test. Inconclusive results may require further testing with a video or office EEG. Ambulatory EEGs are portable, while video EEGs are done in a hospital setting.
An electroencephalography (EEG) system records the electrical activity of the brain and is often used to diagnose several neurological disorders, including epilepsy. Various EEG systems are available; the patient’s symptoms and illness will determine which system to use. A routine EEG is one of the most common neurological diagnostic tools used, followed by ambulatory and video monitoring EEG.
A routine EEG system involves the use of small electrodes connected to a main electrical and computer unit that is responsible for rendering waveforms called traces. Different regions of the brain correspond to a particular trace. To capture the waveforms of each trace, electrodes are strategically placed on various areas of the scalp and face, corresponding to a specific brain region. During the administration of the EEG, the patient is usually in a dark or dimly lit room lying in a comfortable bed or reclining chair.
Sometimes patients are asked to perform several activities to increase the likelihood of registering a neurological abnormality. Rapid eye opening and closing and deep breathing are just two possible activities that the EEG technician will instruct the patient to do. The technician can also rapidly shine flashing lights into the patient’s eyes, further increasing the possibility of a neurological abnormality appearing.
Sleeping during the routine EEG is usually the other part of the test. Doctors may ask patients to refrain from sleeping the night before the scheduled EEG. This is another method of inducing abnormal neurological readings, especially in cases of epilepsy. The total test time can range from 40 minutes to an hour depending on the person taking the test.
In some patients with epilepsy a routine EEG may be inconclusive, necessitating the need for further testing. Routine EEGs record only 20 to 40 minutes of brain activity that may not reflect abnormalities that may arise many hours later. To address this issue, doctors may order a video EEG, or an office EEG, to provide more neurofeedback.
The portability of the ambulatory EEG system allows the patient to carry out normal daily activities while recording any brain abnormalities. Like the routine EEG system, the electrodes are connected to a small, portable device usually housed in a shoulder bag, which records the brain’s electrical activity. In contrast, a video EEG system allows for minimal physical activity while remaining in a study room much like a routine EEG. EEG videos are usually done in a hospital setting for best results.
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