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EEG Test Diagnoses?

Posted on the 08 April 2023 by Sandra @shvong1

EEGs measure brain activity. Electrodes on the scalp record brain activity in a non-invasive process.

EEGs can diagnose brain disorders like:
  • Epilepsy: EEG is a key diagnostic tool. It can distinguish brain seizure activity and epilepsy kind.
  • Sleep disorders: EEG can identify sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and REM sleep behavior disorder.
  • Brain tumors: EEG can identify and track brain tumor treatment.
  • Head injuries: EEG can diagnose brain damage and aid determine treatment after a head injury.

EEG helps diagnose and track neurological illnesses like dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis. Some neurological aspects overlap with psychiatric illnesses. Conversion disorder is a psychiatric illness that have similar symptoms with epilepsy. If this is the case, you need to also consult with best psychiatrist in Lahore.

EEG testing: how?

See a doctor to acquire an EEG referral. This can be a general practitioner, neurologist, or other specialty.

Hospitals or specialty clinics perform EEG tests. The test takes 30-60 minutes and requires you to lie down or sit comfortably.

Using special glue, a professional will attach small metal discs (electrodes) to your scalp during the test. These electrodes will capture your brain's electrical activity, so stay motionless and relaxed.

After the test, you can remove the electrodes and go home. Your doctor will evaluate the test results and recommend further testing or treatment.

Before the test, follow your doctor's advice, such as avoiding coffee or drugs that can alter results.

EEG brain scan duration?

EEG brain scans take 30-60 minutes. Preparing the patient and attaching the electrodes takes 20-30 minutes, whereas monitoring brain activity takes 20-30 minutes.

During the EEG recording, the patient must stay motionless and comfortable with their eyes closed and may be requested to complete specified tasks or activities.

After recording, the electrodes will be removed and the patient can continue normal activities. The EEG results may take time to analyze and interpret by a neurologist or other healthcare expert, who will then diagnose or prescribe treatment.

EEGs reveal what MRIs cannot.

EEGs and MRIs are crucial brain diagnostic tools, however they provide distinct information and identify different disorders.

EEGs can reveal brain abnormalities like seizure activity that an MRI cannot. EEG helps diagnose epilepsy and other seizure disorders.

Unlike an EEG, an MRI employs powerful magnets and radio waves to obtain comprehensive images of the brain's structure and can detect structural abnormalities such tumors, strokes, and bleeding. MRI helps diagnose brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease.

EEG detects brain function abnormalities, while MRI detects structural abnormalities. These tests are complimentary and commonly used jointly to assess the brain.

Its purposeEEGs are done for many reasons, including:
  • Epilepsy and seizure diagnosis: EEG is the main instrument. It can determine seizure type and brain location.
  • Sleep disorders, dementia, and brain tumors can be diagnosed with EEG.
  • EEG can monitor brain activity during surgery to assure brain function.
  • EEG can evaluate brain function after a head injury or other trauma.
  • EEG can monitor medication and other therapies for seizures and other neurological diseases.
  • EEGs are safe, non-invasive, and can assist diagnose and treat neurological disorders.
Food and medicationsEEG (electroencephalogram) preparations may be needed. Your doctor may suggest these general guidelines:

Food and drink: In some situations, you may be requested to avoid eating or drinking for many hours before the test. Food and drink can impact brain electrical activity and test accuracy. Your healthcare physician will provide detailed advice regarding when and what to eat and drink before the test.

Sedatives and tranquilizers may affect test results. You may be advised to discontinue or change drugs before the test. But, ask your doctor before stopping any medicine.

Hair care: Avoid using gel, hairspray, and oils on the day of the EEG test to allow the electrodes to properly connect to the scalp. It is also advisable to avoid washing your hair on the day of the test.

Clothing: You may be requested to wear loose-fitting clothing that gives easy access to your head for electrode insertion.

Additional instructions: Your doctor may recommend avoiding caffeine or nicotine before the EEG exam.

EEG tests involve:

Preparation: A technician will apply electrodes to your scalp using a special glue. The technician may gently scrub your scalp to remove oils and dead skin cells that may prevent the electrode from picking up brain impulses.

Recording: After the electrodes are attached, lie down or sit in a chair. The technician will record brain activity for 20-30 minutes. The recording requires you to stay calm and comfortable. You may be asked to breathe deeply, close your eyes, or look at a flashing light.

Following recording, your scalp electrodes will be removed. Adhesive residue may require hair washing.

Recovery: You can resume normal activities soon after the exam. Your doctor will evaluate the EEG results and recommend further testing or therapy.

EEGs are painless and non-invasive. Electrodes may cause mild discomfort or itching, but this is normal. To get accurate recordings, stay still and relaxed.

After testing,

You can instantly continue your typical activities after an EEG test. No recovery time is needed. You may want to take some precautions for comfort and safety:

Hair care: Washing your hair removes electrode adhesive residue from your scalp. Avoid scalp irritation with a gentle wash.

Medication: If your doctor told you to stop taking a medicine before the test, resume it.

Driving: The EEG exam may produce drowsiness or weariness, especially if medication was used to relax. Avoid driving or using heavy machinery until you're completely awake.

Follow-up: Your doctor will evaluate the EEG results and recommend further testing or therapy. Schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss results and future steps.

EEG tests are safe, non-invasive, and can reveal brain function. Contact your doctor if you have any questions after the exam.

Result

An EEG (electroencephalogram) test is interpreted by a medical professional. EEG data usually depict brain electrical activity in graphs.

EEG data reveal:

Normal brain function: A normal EEG might rule out some neurological disorders or indicate that the patient's symptoms are unrelated to a brain disorder.

Abnormal brain activity: An abnormal EEG can assist diagnose neurological illnesses including epilepsy or sleep disturbances.

EEG can detect seizure type and brain location.

Treatment efficacy: The EEG can monitor seizures and other neurological diseases.

EEG interpretation demands particular training and skill. The EEG results will help the doctor decide what to do next. Discuss your EEG results with your doctor. Most of best hospital in Lahore provide EEG testing

Conclusion

Finally, an EEG (electroencephalogram) records and analyzes brain electrical activity without pain. Electrodes, small metal discs, are placed on the scalp to detect brain electrical activity. EEGs can diagnose epilepsy, sleep disorders, and brain malignancies.

Patients must avoid caffeine and some drugs before an EEG. The technician monitors brain activity for 20-30 minutes while patients lie still and relax. Patients can resume their normal activities after the test, and the doctor will analyze the data to determine if more testing or treatment is needed.

EEG tests are safe, non-invasive, and useful for diagnosing and monitoring neurological diseases. Discuss EEG or neurological problems with your doctor.


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