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Electroencephalogram (EEG)​

Canberra Neurology offers Canberra’s first state-of-the-art EEG clinic with normal, long-term and ambulatory EEG testing available.

 

What is an Electroencephalogram (EEG)?

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a diagnostic test that measures electrical activity in the brain. This non-invasive procedure records brain wave patterns using small electrodes attached to the scalp.

EEG tests available at Canberra Neurology:

  1. Normal (Routine) Sleep Deprived EEG (performed in-clinic)
  2. Long-Term (Prolonged) Video EEG (performed in-clinic over 3 hour period)
  3. Ambulatory Video EEG (performed at home over 1 to 7 day period)

These record the electrical impulses produced by brain cells (neurons) through small electrodes placed on the scalp. These impulses are displayed as wave patterns on a computer screen or paper, allowing healthcare professionals to analyse the brain’s electrical activity.

An EEG is painless and safe, and it provides valuable information about the functional state of the brain.

Normal (Routine) Sleep Deprived EEG

A Normal (Routine) Sleep Deprived EEG is a test that records brain activity after a period of reduced sleep. Electrodes are placed on the scalp to detect electrical signals from the brain. Sleep deprivation can increase the likelihood of detecting abnormal brain activity, particularly in conditions like epilepsy.

  • Suspected epilepsy or seizure disorders
  • Unexplained episodes of loss of consciousness
  • Follow-up for known neurological conditions
  • Patient sleeps less than usual the night before
  • Electrodes are applied to the scalp
  • Brain activity is recorded for 20–40 minutes while awake and drowsy
  • May include tasks like deep breathing or light stimulation
  • Analysed by a neurologist to detect abnormal brain waves
  • Helpful in revealing seizure activity that may not appear in a standard EEG

Long-Term (Prolonged) Video EEG

A Long-Term (Prolonged) Video EEG is a diagnostic test that continuously records brain activity and video over 3 hours or more. Electrodes are attached to the scalp, and the patient is monitored in a specialised setting. This test helps capture infrequent seizures or abnormal brain activity that may be missed on shorter tests.

  • Infrequent, unclear, or complex seizures
  • Differentiating epileptic from non-epileptic events
  • Pre-surgical epilepsy assessment
  • Conducted in-clinic and at-home over 24 hours or longer
  • Electrodes record brain activity continuously
  • Simultaneous video captures behaviour and clinical events
  • Enables correlation of brain activity with physical symptoms
  • Provides comprehensive data to guide diagnosis and treatment planning

Ambulatory Video EEG

An Ambulatory Video EEG is a portable test that records brain activity and video while the patient goes about normal daily activities, usually over 1 to 7 days. Electrodes are attached to the scalp and connected to a wearable recorder. This helps capture seizures or abnormal activity in a more natural setting.

  • Suspected seizures occurring during daily activities or sleep
  • Assessment of seizure frequency in a natural environment
  • Monitoring treatment response outside clinic
  • Electrodes and a portable video-EEG unit are worn at home
  • Records for 1 to 7 days during normal routine
  • Compact camera records associated movements and behaviour
  • Reviewed by a specialist to match symptoms with EEG changes
  • Helps capture events that may not appear during short or hospital-based monitoring

How is an EEG Performed?

The EEG procedure is straightforward and typically takes 30-minutes to an hour, although longer recordings may be required in some cases (ie: several hours or several days). The steps involved include:

  1. Preparation: The patient is asked to avoid caffeine and to wash their hair before the procedure, as this helps ensure good electrode contact with the scalp. No specific fasting or medication adjustments are usually required, but the patient should inform the technician of any medications they are taking.
  2. Electrode Placement: The technician attaches around 20 small metal discs (electrodes) to the scalp using a special adhesive or a cap fitted with electrodes. The electrodes are connected to an EEG machine by wires. A small amount of gel is applied to the scalp to improve the quality of the recording.
  3. Recording: The patient is asked to sit or lie down in a comfortable position and to relax. They may be asked to perform certain tasks during the recording, such as opening and closing their eyes, taking deep breaths, or looking at flashing lights. These activities can help provoke brain activity that may not be evident during rest.
  4. Monitoring: The EEG machine records the brain’s electrical activity, displaying it as a series of wavy lines on a monitor. Any abnormalities in these patterns can indicate issues with brain function.
  5. Completion: After the recording is complete, the electrodes are removed, and the patient can return to their normal activities. The results are analysed by a neurologist, who will interpret the wave patterns and identify any abnormalities.

Conditions Assessed with EEG at Canberra Neurology

EEG is used to diagnose and monitor a variety of neurological conditions, particularly those that involve abnormal brain activity. Some of the primary conditions include:

Overview:

  • Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures, which are caused by sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain. EEG is the primary tool for diagnosing epilepsy, as it can detect abnormal electrical patterns associated with seizures.

Symptoms:

  • Seizures, which can range from brief lapses in awareness (absence seizures) to full-body convulsions (tonic-clonic seizures)
  • Temporary confusion or altered consciousness
  • Uncontrolled jerking movements of the arms and legs
  • Sudden staring spells or brief episodes of unresponsiveness
  • Sensory disturbances, such as tingling, hallucinations, or unusual tastes or smells

Treatment Options:

  • Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs): Medications are used to control seizures.
  • Surgery: In cases where medication is ineffective, surgery may be an option to remove the area of the brain where seizures originate.
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) and Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS): Devices that help control seizures in drug-resistant epilepsy.
  • Dietary Therapy: The ketogenic diet may be effective in reducing seizures in some individuals, particularly children.

Overview:

  • Encephalopathy refers to a broad category of brain disorders that affect brain function and structure. EEG can help diagnose the underlying cause of encephalopathy and assess the severity of the condition. It is often used in cases of altered mental status, confusion, or unexplained neurological symptoms.

Symptoms:

  • Confusion and disorientation
  • Memory problems
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding language
  • Changes in personality or behaviour
  • Drowsiness or lethargy
  • Seizures (in severe cases)

Treatment Options:

  • Treating the Underlying Cause: This may include antibiotics for infections, removing toxins, or managing metabolic imbalances.
  • Supportive Care: Ensuring proper hydration, nutrition, and oxygenation.
  • Medications: Anticonvulsants for seizure control and medications to manage symptoms such as agitation or anxiety.

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of various neurological conditions.

It provides crucial insights into brain function, helping clinicians diagnose conditions like epilepsy, encephalopathy, and a number of other disorders. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms suggestive of a neurological issue, such as seizures, altered mental states, or unexplained behavioural changes, it is important to seek medical advice.

A neurologist can determine whether an EEG is necessary and develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs.

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