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Electroencephalogram Test (EEG)

Your doctor may be able to diagnose a sleep disorder or balance issues just by listening to you describe your symptoms. But it’s always best to get confirmation with an accurate, non-invasive test. For many brain problems, an EEG electroencephalogram test is ideal. And in the New York and New Jersey areas, you find neurologists expert in reading an EEG test and figuring out the best treatment at Neuro Injury Specialists. Call today for a consultation.

Table of contents

    What Is an EEG Electroencephalogram Test?

    An electroencephalogram is a test that measures the brain’s electrical impulses. Using electrodes attached to the head, EEG testing is a painless procedure.

    An EEG test for the brain is used during surgery to monitor anesthesia and to detect or diagnose:

    • Brain damage
    • Brain death
    • Sleep problems

    There are normally between 16 and 25 electrodes with wires placed on your head, prepped with a special gel or paste to help with conductivity. These are then connected to a machine that shows or prints the results. Sometimes, the electrodes are attached to a cap, which is then put on your head. This makes it a quicker and less messy procedure.

    When you’ve been in an accident and need follow-up diagnostic testing  for a brain injury in the New York and New Jersey area, find EEG testing near me at Neuro Injury Specialists. Brain injury experts  — Dr. Mark Cohen, Dr. Dmitriy Dvoskin and Dr. Leon Reyfman — provide exceptional neurological care relying on their decades of experience and state-of-the-art testing equipment.

    How Do I Prepare for an EEG?

    There is very little preparation necessary for an EEG and no, you don’t need to shave your head. Your doctor may ask you about medications and surgeries. There are particular medications that can alter the outcome of an EEG. Other than that, make sure your hair is clean and dry and doesn’t have anything extra on it like gel or hairspray.

    When the technician is ready, you will then:

    • Be asked to sit or lie down and relax
    • Have the electrodes attached to your head
    • Be as still as you can

    You may be given specific instructions to initiate brain activity. The EEG electroencephalogram test will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes. When you’re finished, the tech removes the electrodes and you can wipe away any remaining gel.

    Electroencephalogram Test (EEG)

    What Can My Doctor Diagnose with an EEG?

    There are many conditions that can be diagnosed with an electroencephalogram.

    Epilepsy is the most frequent ailment that an EEG is used to diagnose, but an electroencephalogram can also be used to identify:

    • Alzheimer’s disease
    • A stroke
    • A brain tumor
    • Brain infections

    There are also conditions that may be missed. An EEG test will only record the activity in the brain in real time. In other words, if you’re being checked for seizures, it won’t show up unless you have a seizure while you’re having the test.

    Are There Different Types of Electroencephalograms?

    The main distinction between the various kinds of EEG brain tests is how long the recording takes place. These can all be done with or without video.

    Your doctor may do one or more of these tests that include:

    • Routine EEG test that takes between 20 and 30 minutes
    • Prolonged EEG testing, which takes from one to two hours
    • Ambulatory EEG brain test that records for one to three days

    An ambulatory test is set up so you can take part in most of your daily activities and record brain activity while you’re going about your day. You’re given a monitor to wear or clip to your clothes. You then take everything back to your doctor’s office and make an appointment to go over the results.

    Can I See an EEG When I’m Having it Done?

    Yes, if you’re having a routine or prolonged EEG, the electrodes on your scalp are attached to a machine that has a screen you can see. You’ll see a variety of waves in different patterns.

    Some of the brain waves captured may be:

    • Beta waves when your eyes are open and you’re alert
    • Gamma waves when you’re alert and in the process of learning
    • Delta waves, which are the slowest, usually seen during sleep

    The focus of an EEG is the frequency of the waves or their height. Any sort of deviation from the norm could be a sign of a disease or disorder. Your neurologist interprets these waves to determine the most effective treatment plan for you.

    What Are the Pros and Cons of an EEG Brain Test Near Me?

    You can get an EEG at a hospital, lab or your neurologist’s office. There is little preparation to be made and few restrictions.

    More of the positive aspects of an EEG electroencephalogram test include:

    • Fairly cheap
    • Reliable and safe
    • Non-invasive
    • No risk of infection

    An EEG is a great test for certain ailments or to narrow down a diagnosis. Other times, you may need more testing done to get to the root of your problem.

    What Is a Sleep-Deprived EEG?

    An EEG is sometimes done when you’re sleep deprived or in a sleep environment to test for sleep disorders in a specially designed sleep laboratory.

    Also known as polysomnography (PSG), this kind of EEG can help diagnose:

    • Sleep apnea
    • Insomnia
    • Parasomnia, which refers to night terrors and sleepwalking

    Having enough sleep is essential for maintaining good health and mental stability. A sleep deprived EEG may be the first step in getting you the appropriate amount of sleep you need. If you have chronic fatigue or your spouse complains about your sleeping habits, the team at Neuro Injury Specialists can find the cause of the problems with an EEG test for the brain.

    Is an MRI Better Than an EEG Brain Test?

    You can’t fairly compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to an EEG electroencephalogram test. An MRI provides static pictures and an EEG records moving brain waves. That being said, an MRI is good for detecting abnormalities in brain matter, where an EEG discovers brain wave anomalies.

    An MRI may be a better choice if you need a picture of:

    • Tumor
    • Sinuses or sinus cavity
    • Certain aspect or area of the brain

    The MRI is usually much more expensive but needed in certain circumstances. In other instances, a simple radiograph x-ray might provide sufficient resolution to determine the cause of your trouble.

    Should I Get an EEG Test Near Me?

    An electroencephalogram can only be requested by a doctor. If you’re experiencing dizziness or sleeping problems, your neurologist might order an EEG.

    Other conditions for which an EEG test might be ordered include:

    An EEG may or may not help your doctor diagnose your problem. That’s why you need the brain injury experts at Neuro Injury Specialists. Contact this practice  in New York and New Jersey to make an appointment to decide whether an EEG may be helpful for your condition.