Everything to Know About EEG Test

An EEG (electroencephalogram) test is a critical instrument in neurology that measures and records electrical activity in the brain. It is a non-invasive method that allows clinicians to measure how well the brain's electrical system functions. The exam offers vital information on neurological problems, mental health issues, and brain function.

Whether you're suffering inexplicable symptoms like seizures or migraines, or you need to assess brain activity as part of a normal check-up, an EEG test can help with diagnosis and therapy planning.

How Do EEG Tests Work?

The EEG test involves putting tiny, flat electrodes on the scalp that are linked to a machine. These electrodes monitor the electrical impulses that neurons in the brain generate when they communicate with one another. The electrodes detect electrical impulses and transmit the data to a computer or recording device.

The method normally includes the following steps:

• Preparation
  A healthcare practitioner will clean the region of the scalp where the electrodes will be inserted to ensure a proper connection. The electrodes are then adhered to your scalp using a specific paste or gel;
• Recording
  During the test, electrodes detect electrical activity in the brain and send signals to a computer. The activity is shown as brain waves in real time. The test might last 20 minutes or hours, depending on whether a specific occurrence (such as a seizure) has to be watched.
• Test variations
  In other situations, the technician may instruct the patient to perform specific actions during the test (such as opening and shutting their eyes or breathing deeply) in order to elicit or capture specific brain responses.

Applications of an EEG Test

EEG tests are generally used to evaluate brain function and identify neurological diseases. Here are some of the major applications of the EEG test:

• EEG is the most extensively used method for diagnosing epilepsy and monitoring seizure activity
  It can aid in detecting aberrant brain activity patterns (such as sharp waves or spikes) that are associated with seizures. The EEG test can also help to distinguish between various types of seizures;
• EEG is commonly used in sleep studies (polysomnography) to measure brain waves while asleep
  It aids in the diagnosis of disorders such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and insomnia;
• Detecting brain injuries and disorders
  EEG can identify irregularities caused by brain injuries, infections, tumors, strokes, and other disorders that impair brain function. It is also beneficial for monitoring coma patients or those recuperating from a brain injury.
• Monitoring brain activity during surgery
  EEG is utilized in certain brain operations to track brain activity in real time. This ensures that the essential brain areas are not harmed during surgery;
• EEG can help diagnose various mental diseases
  They include schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Altered brain wave patterns may be indicative of various disorders;
• EEG can test cognitive performance in older adults
  It’s useful in cases of cognitive decline or dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease;
• Pre-surgical evaluation for epilepsy treatment
  In epilepsy patients, an EEG can assist establish the part of the brain responsible for seizures, which is critical when contemplating surgery.

How to Prepare For an EEG Test?

Preparing for an EEG exam is normally simple, however there are several critical things to take:

• Avoid caffeine and stimulants
  Avoid coffee, nicotine, and other stimulants for at least 12 hours before the test, since they might influence brain activity and interfere with the findings;
• Wash your hair
  Clean your hair before the test, but avoid using any hair products such as gels, sprays, or oils, since these may interfere with electrode attachment;
• Inform your doctor about medications
  Tell your doctor about any drugs you're taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements. Some medications may need to be briefly changed or discontinued prior to the test;
• Rest well
  Make sure you get a good night's sleep before the test. Sleep deprivation can alter brain wave patterns and produce misleading findings, particularly if the test is used to measure seizure activity.

The bottom line

An EEG test is a very useful tool for identifying and monitoring neurological problems. It is a rapid, non-invasive, and safe treatment that offers vital information about the brain's electrical activity. Whether you're being examined for seizures, sleep problems, or other brain-related conditions, an EEG test is an important component of the diagnostic process.