Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need Ambulatory EEG Monitoring?
Epilepsy/Seizures is a disease of the brain caused by abnormal electrical activity. Ambulatory EEG monitoring with or without video enables your doctor to observe your EEG over a prolonged period of time. Ambulatory monitoring can help diagnose your seizure type and provides important information regarding the best treatment for your seizures.
What is an EEG?
EEG is the abbreviation for electroencephalography. The electroencephalograph is a machine that translates the electrical activity of the brain into a series of wavy lines (a graph) on a computer called the EEG record.
An EEG measures the electrical activity of the brain, sometimes referred to as brain waves. This test is performed to see how the different parts of your brain function. It records a graph of your brain waves.
Digital analysis is a procedure that can give additional information about any problems that may be found. Analysis and examination of the data obtained allows your doctor to see one of the many ways that your brain functions. EEG is not a treatment of any kind. No electricity is transferred to your brain. The EEG only detects activity in the brain.
If you have a seizure during the test, you should behave as you normally would during a seizure. Family and friends should follow your usual first aid or emergency procedures. If you did not push the event button please note in your activity diary. The doctor can see seizure activity as well as sleep stages during your EEG.
At the end of your study you will return to the EEG center to have the information downloaded to the computer for analysis.
What is Ambulatory EEG Monitoring?
Ambulatory EEG can tell your doctor what may be causing your episodes and help with deciding the best treatment for you.
The ambulatory EEG is a very expensive piece of equipment that allows us to monitor a 24-72 hour period of brain waves but allows you to continue with most of your daily activities. It is important that the equipment does not get wet or damaged. Do not attempt to adjust anything on the device and do not adjust the wires. You will be held responsible for any damages.
Ambulatory EEG tests occur over one to several days. In these tests, the patient wears a small recording device that records brain electrical activity during normal activities and thus gives the doctor more information than a routine EEG.
If your doctor orders your Ambulatory EEG with video the recording is the same but the equipment will include a box that you can connect to while you sleep or perform other activities that would provide video. The video recording has a special camera that has night vision. The video recording helps the doctor interpreting the test to observe your brain waves and body movements. The Ambulatory EEG with video allows for up to 4 hours of wireless.
The Video EEG is a very important test that differentiates between different types of seizure - the results may make a big difference in the treatments that will be used to control seizures.
The EEG device you will be carrying will have an event button that you should push when you feel a seizure or aura starting to occur.
How does an Ambulatory EEG work?
Small, non-invasive metal cups called electrodes (usually 16 to 32) are pasted on the scalp, after careful measurement by a trained technologist. The paste or glue is to keep the electrodes firmly in place. If the electrodes are moved, then the quality of the recording will be poor. The electrodes pick up very small changes in brain electrical activity. The activity is amplified and recorded on the computer. It is then translated into a graph. During this procedure, the EEG is recorded for a prolonged period, allowing you to have a comprehensive EEG at home. You will need to keep a diary with exact times to correlate behavior with events on the EEG. Do not forget to use the button to mark the time of your events. This helps to determine the cause of any seizures.
Where do I get set up and start testing?
There are four available locations. All are located in Medical professional buildings and have a designated room and technician for you. You will be called to schedule your appointment and an email or mail packet will be sent to you prior to your appointment for completion as well as directions. www.epochsc.com also has directions, information and pictures about epilepsy and ambulatory EEG.
What will happen when I am set up for monitoring?
EEG wires will be attached to your head with a special glue so the electrodes will stay attached for several days. They are painless and the glue is soft and comfortable.
During the testing do not chew gum since this will interfere with the EEG - it generates a lot of "noise" on the graph, which makes it impossible to detect anything else.
Also during the testing, wear comfortable clothing while your ambulatory EEG is being performed. Sweat pants and a loose fitting top with buttons down the front are suggested. Tight fitting sleeves and pull over tops will not be permitted. Do not attempt to pull a shirt or other clothing over your head during the ambulatory EEG. The electrodes may become dislodged and the quality of the recording will be affected.
What do I need to do before my test?
Assemble enough comfortable, appropriate clothes to wear. Most patients wear street clothes or a sweat suit during the day and warm pajamas and socks at night. Remember that the tops should button and be loose fitting.
Bathe and wash your hair well prior to the test. Do not leave any hair products in your hair and remove any braids or hair extensions. This will facilitate comfortable placement of the electrodes.
How will I get my results?
After the technologist completes your study the doctor will review the study and discuss it with you at your next visit. If there are issues of immediate concern regarding the EEG, the doctor will contact you for further testing or discuss the findings with you on the phone. Do not ask the EEG technologist to interpret or explain your results. The EEG technologist will contact the physician if your EEG shows something that may be of immediate concern.