Electroencephalogram in Children
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that records electrical activity in the brain. It is often used to diagnose or monitor problems that are related to the brain, such as:
- Seizure disorders.
- Sleeping problems.
- Changes in behavior.
- Head injuries.
- Fainting spells.
What are the risks?
Generally, this is a safe test. If your child has a seizure disorder, he or she may be made to have a seizure during the test. This is done so that your child’s brain activity can be recorded during the seizure.
What happens before the procedure?
- Make sure that your child’s hair is clean and dry. Do nottease or braid your child’s hair, and do notput hair spray or oil in it.
- Do notallow your child to have any caffeine during the 4 hours before the test.
- Follow instructions from your child’s health care provider about sleeping, eating, or taking medicines before the test.
What happens during the procedure?
Your child will be asked to sit in a chair or lie down. Small metal discs (electrodes) will be attached to his or her head with an adhesive. These electrodes will pick up on the signals in your child’s brain, and a machine will record the signals. During the test, your child may be asked to:
- Sit or lie quietly and relax. If your child’s health care provider tells you it is okay, you can help to keep your child comfortable by distracting him or her, such as with a book or music.
- Open and close his or her eyes.
- Breathe deeply for several minutes.
- Look at a flashing light for a short period of time.
- Go to sleep.
When the test is complete, the electrodes will be removed by using a solution such as acetone or fingernail polish remover.
What happens after the procedure?
It is your responsibility to get your child’s test results. Ask your health care provider or the department performing the test when the results will be ready.
Contact a health care provider if:
- Any allergies your child has.
- All medicines your child is taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
- Previous problems your child or members of his or her family have had with the use of anesthetics.
- Previous surgeries your child has had.
- Any medical conditions your child may have, including psychiatric conditions.
