An electroencephalogram, or EEG, is a test that measures the electrical activity of the brain. It can be used to diagnose or monitor conditions that affect the brain, such as epilepsy and sleep disorders. Your doctor will let you know if you need to have an EEG. Show
What is an EEG test?An EEG records the electrical signals sent between brain cells. This electrical activity is shown on a computer as ‘brain waves’, which are interpreted by a specialist doctor. If something is unusual about the brain’s electrical activity, it will show up in the EEG recording. The test is safe and doesn’t hurt, as it is merely recording the brain’s electrical activity. What conditions can an EEG test help diagnose?Your doctor may recommend an EEG to diagnose or monitor conditions including:
An EEG cannot diagnose mental illnesses. Although an EEG is one of the main tools for diagnosing epilepsy, a negative or normal EEG test does not necessarily rule out epilepsy. What does an EEG test involve?During the EEG, flat metal discs (electrodes) will be placed all over your scalp. They are usually kept in place with a sticky paste. You won’t need to cut your hair. These discs are also attached to wires that send the electrical signals to a computer to record the brain waves. You won’t feel any sensations from the discs. You will need to keep still during the test. You may be asked to do some deep breathing, look at a flashing light or sleep during the test. An EEG takes about an hour, but may be longer for a sleep recording. Sometimes EEGs are conducted when you have purposely been sleep-deprived. How to prepare for an EEG testWash your hair the night before or the day of the test, so that the discs stay attached to your scalp. Avoid using conditioners, hairsprays, styling gels or other hair products. It’s also best to avoid food or drinks that contain caffeine (including coffee, tea, cola and chocolate) for at least 8 hours before the test. Your doctor will let you know if you need to stop taking any of your medicines beforehand. Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. Last reviewed: April 2021 Need more information?These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
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You are welcome to continue browsing this site with this browser. Some features, tools or interaction may not work correctly. What is the name of the test that measures brain electrical activity?EEG results show changes in brain activity that may be useful in diagnosing brain conditions, especially epilepsy and other seizure disorders. An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that measures electrical activity in the brain using small, metal discs (electrodes) attached to the scalp.
Which term refers to a clinical test performed to measure electrical activity in the brain multiple choice question?Electroencephalography, or EEG, monitors the brain's electrical activity through the skull. EEG is used to help diagnose seizure disorders and metabolic, infectious, or inflammatory disorders that affect the brain's activity.
What does EEG test for?An EEG (electroencephalogram) measures your brain's activity. Brain activity can help your healthcare provider diagnose and monitor brain-related conditions like epilepsy. Your healthcare provider may order an EEG if you have symptoms such as seizures or confusion. An EEG is safe and painless.
What is ECG and EEG test?Electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG) are widely used clinical diagnostic tools to monitor for abnormal brain and cardiac rhythms in patients. Here, a technique to simultaneously record video, EEG, and ECG in mice to measure behavior, brain, and cardiac activities, respectively, is described.
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