Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Physicians, in conjunction with past medical history and physical examinations, rely on electroencephalogram or EEG to diagnose, distinguish, and provide the correct treatment plans for specific types of epilepsy. A number of electrodes with wires are attached to the patient’s scalp, and will detect as well as record any changes in electrical activity by neurons in the brain. Results will be amplified and presented as a graph (on paper and screen), and then physicians can analyze and detect abnormalities.   

Uses for EEG

1. Patients with suspected epilepsy, symptoms including loss of consciousness, seizures, uncontrollable jerking, headaches, vertigo, behavioral changes, and psychological symptoms with no known cause.

2. Diagnosing different types of epilepsy such as absence seizures, generalized seizures, and pseudoseizures.

3. Diagnosing conditions such as hepatic encephalopathy, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) or mad cow disease, and brain tumors.

4. Using EEG as a monitoring device to provide treatment plans for patients with status epilepticus.

5. To find suitable antiepileptic drugs for patients.

6. To help plan the discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs in epilepsy patients.

7. Using video EEG monitoring to help prepare for surgery in patients with refractory epilepsy.

8. Diagnosing and planning suitable treatments for patients suffering from sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea and narcolepsy, via polysomnography (sleep study).

9. To confirm brain death.