Electroencephalogram
An Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a safe and painless test used to record the electrical activity of your brain. Doctors use EEG to diagnose conditions that affect brain function, including seizures, epilepsy, sleep disorders, and more.
Why is EEG Done?
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Unexplained fainting or blackouts
- Head injuries
- Sleep problems (insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy)
- Brain infections (encephalitis, meningitis)
- Memory problems or confusion
- Monitoring during anesthesia or ICU care
Types of EEG
- Routine EEG – Short recording for basic brain activity.
- Sleep-deprived EEG – Done after staying awake, increases chance of recording abnormal activity.
- Ambulatory EEG – Portable, allows monitoring for 24–72 hours at home.
- Video EEG Monitoring – Records brain waves along with video to correlate symptoms with brain activity (often used for epilepsy diagnosis).
Benefits of EEG
- Non-invasive & painless
- Provides real-time brain activity data
- Helps diagnose epilepsy & seizures accurately
- Guides treatment decisions
- Monitors brain function during critical care
Everything You Need to Know
5 Common FAQs About EEG
Is EEG painful?
No. EEG is completely painless — it only records electrical activity, it does not give shocks.
Do I need to stop medicines before EEG?
Continue your medications unless your doctor specifically asks you to stop. For epilepsy tests, sometimes medicines may be adjusted.
Can I wash my hair before EEG?
Yes, wash your hair the night before the test and avoid oils, conditioners, or hair sprays to improve electrode contact.
Can EEG detect all brain problems?
EEG mainly detects electrical abnormalities like seizures. It cannot detect structural problems (tumors, stroke) — those may require MRI or CT scans.
How soon will I get my results?
Preliminary results are usually available the same day or within 24–48 hours.
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Results are interpreted by a neurologist and discussed with you in a follow-up appointment.