What is EEG

An EEG records the electrical activity of the brain via electrodes affixed to the
scalp. EEG results show changes in brain activity that may be useful in
diagnosing brain conditions, especially epilepsy and other conditions that cause
seizures.

Full Form of EEG

ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM

A normal EEG does not rule out the possibility of epilepsy. In fact, since the EEG
records only a 30-minute snapshot of the brain's activity, many EEGs are normal.
The sensitivity of the EEG—that is, the likelihood that the test will pick up
abnormality—increases each time the test is run.

 Routine EEG: Routine EEG scans take 23 minutes. Your EEG technologist
may ask you to breathe differently or look at flashing lights during the
procedure.
 Prolonged EEG: A prolonged EEG test usually takes one hour and 15
minutes, but some types can last several days. A prolonged EEG gives your
healthcare provider more information than a routine EEG. Your provider may
use a prolonged EEG test to diagnose or manage seizures disorders. Prolonged
EEGs use video.
 Ambulatory EEG: Ambulatory EEGs last one to three days. Ambulatory
EEGs take place at home or at an EEG monitoring unit. During an ambulatory
 EEG, electrodes connect to a small EEG recorder. You can do most of your
daily activities while the machine tracks your brain activity. You or family
member can press a button if you have a seizure or event that your healthcare
provider is trying to capture.
 Video EEG: The technician makes a video recording of you during your EEG.
Video recording helps your healthcare provider see and hear what you’re doing
when you have a seizure or other brain event. Your provider may also call this
test EEG monitoring, EEG telemetry or video EEG monitoring.
 Sleep EEG: A technician performs an EEG test while you sleep. Healthcare
providers may order sleep EEGs if a routine EEG doesn’t offer enough
information. You might have a sleep study to test for sleep disorders with a
sleep disorders center.