Electroencephalography (EEG) is a medical test used to record and analyze brain waves. It measures the electrical activity of the brain and records these activities in wave form. EEG plays an important role in diagnosing and monitoring various neurological conditions. EEG collects electrical signals from the brain through electrodes placed on the scalp. These signals represent the activity of neurons in different parts of the brain. EEG is commonly used in the diagnosis and monitoring of epilepsy, sleep disorders, brain injury and other neurological diseases. It can also help in planning some medical procedures, such as neurosurgery.
EEG testing is usually a painless and non-invasive procedure. It can be used for short-term or long-term monitoring. It is important that the patient remains relaxed and still during the test, because activities such as movements and blinks can affect the recordings. EEG results are analyzed by neurologists and provide information about possible abnormalities in the brain, epileptic activity or other brain dysfunctions. In this way, accurate diagnoses and treatment plans can be created.
Why is EEG done?
EEG (Electroencephalography) is an important test used to diagnose and monitor various neurological conditions. Reasons for performing EEG:
Diagnosis of Epilepsy and Seizures
EEG is one of the most widely used methods for diagnosing epilepsy and other seizure disorders. By detecting abnormal electrical activity in the brain, it helps to determine the source and type of seizures.
Investigating the Causes of Loss of Consciousness and Fainting
In cases of sudden loss of consciousness or fainting, EEG is used to understand whether these events are caused by epileptic seizures.
Assessment of Sleep Disorders
Electroencephalography (EEG) plays an important role in the diagnosis of sleep disorders, especially sleep apnea and narcolepsy. By recording brain waves during sleep, it provides information about sleep patterns and disorders.
Evaluation of Brain Injury and Trauma
Following conditions such as brain injury, traumatic brain injuries or stroke, an EEG can be performed to assess the function of the brain. This helps to guide the treatment process and monitor recovery.
Diagnosis of Neurological Diseases
EEG is used in the diagnosis of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and other degenerative brain diseases. Changes in the electrical activity of the brain provide important clues in the diagnosis of these diseases.
Surgical Intervention Planning
Before and during brain surgery, surgeons can use EEG to determine which areas of the brain are affected and which areas need to be protected. This helps to reduce surgical risks.
EEG is a non-invasive and painless test that allows a detailed examination of brain function. Used as an important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders, EEG plays a major role in improving patients' quality of life.
How is an EEG Test Performed?
An EEG test is a non-invasive method used to measure brain waves. Here is how an electroencephalography (EEG) test is performed step by step:
Preparation: The patient's hair must be clean and dry before the test. There should not be any product (gel, spray, etc.) in the hair. It is important that the patient wears comfortable clothes and has had a good night's sleep if possible.
Placement of Electrodes: The EEG technician places small metal disks (electrodes) on the patient's scalp. These electrodes are usually fixed with an adhesive or a special cap. The points where the electrodes are placed are chosen in a specific pattern to measure electrical activity in different parts of the brain.
Start Recording: After the electrodes are placed, the patient is made to lie or sit comfortably. The EEG device collects and records the signals from the electrodes. This recording usually takes between 20 and 40 minutes. In some cases, longer monitoring may be required.
Observation and Instructions: During the test, the patient may be asked to follow certain instructions. For example, they may be asked to open and close their eyes, breathe deeply or remain still for a certain period of time. In some cases, the patient may also be given sleeping medication to help them sleep.
Use of Stimuli: Sometimes during an EEG test, light stimulation (photic stimulation) or sound stimulation may be used to measure the patient's brain responses. These stimuli are used to trigger specific brain activities.
Analysis of Recordings: Once the recording is complete, the EEG technician removes the electrodes and the patient can return to normal activities. The recordings are analyzed by a neurologist. This analysis helps to detect abnormal electrical activity in the brain, foci of seizures or other neurological disorders.
Evaluation of Results: EEG results are usually transmitted to the patient or doctor within a few days. The doctor evaluates the results together with the patient's symptoms and medical history to formulate the necessary treatment or follow-up plan.
EEG testing is an effective way to study the electrical activity of the brain in a non-invasive and painless way. It plays an important role in the diagnosis and follow-up of various neurological conditions.
Which diseases are diagnosed with EEG?
EEG (Electroencephalography) is an important method used to diagnose various neurological diseases by recording brain waves. Some diseases and conditions that can be diagnosed with EEG:
- Psychiatric disorders,
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders,
- Sleep disorders,
- Brain injury and trauma,
- Brain inflammation (encephalitis) and other brain infections,
- Alzheimer's and other degenerative brain diseases,
- Coma and loss of consciousness,
- Migraine and headaches.
EEG is a non-invasive and painless test and is an important tool in the diagnosis and follow-up of neurological disorders. By examining brain waves in detail, it allows for accurate diagnosis and treatment plans to be created.
What Should I Do Before EEG?
There are some important points to consider when preparing for the EEG test. These preparations help to increase the accuracy and comfort of the test:
Hair Cleanliness: Your hair should be clean and dry before the electroencephalography test. Dirty hair can interfere with the transmission of signals to the brain and prevent accurate results. Hair should be washed the day before the test and avoid using products such as creams, gels and sprays on the hair.
Sleep Pattern: Your doctor may advise you to sleep well the night before the test. However, in some cases, especially in tests that examine sleep disorders, your doctor may ask you to get little sleep before the test.
Food and Drinks: Avoid heavy meals and eat a light breakfast before the electroencephalography (EEG) test. Caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, energy drinks) should not be consumed 8-12 hours before the test.
Medication Use: Tell your doctor about the medicines you take regularly. Some medications can affect brain activity and your doctor may recommend that you temporarily stop taking them.
Wear Comfortable Clothing: On the day of the test, wear comfortable and loose clothing. Keep accessories to a minimum as electronic devices (e.g. hair clips, glasses) will be removed.
Special Preparations: If your doctor requires special preparation, be sure to follow these instructions.
Relaxation During the Test: It is important to relax and remain still during the test. Try to calm down by breathing deeply and remember that the test is a painless procedure.
Having someone close to you: If you think you may feel tired or dizzy after the test, it may be helpful to have someone with you.
How is EEG used in sleep testing?
An EEG sleep test is a specialized test to assess sleep disorders. It examines sleep patterns and disorders by recording brain waves during sleep. Steps of an EEG sleep test:
Sleep Preparation: Before the test, your doctor may give you instructions about your sleep patterns. For example, you may be asked to sleep less the night before the test.
Electrodes Placement: The EEG technician places electrodes on your scalp. The electrodes record brain waves.
Sleep Process: In a sleep test, the patient usually sleeps in a sleep laboratory. The EEG device records brain waves during sleep.
Analysis of Sleep Stages: The recordings are analyzed to identify sleep stages and possible sleep disorders. This analysis helps in diagnosing disorders such as sleep apnea and narcolepsy.
Are the Electrodes Connected in the EEG Test Painful?
The electrodes used in EEG testing are small metal disks that are placed on the scalp. These electrodes record brain waves and are painless. You will not feel any pain when the electrodes are placed or removed. The gels or adhesives used to attach the electrodes are also usually not uncomfortable.
Why is EEG done in children?
EEG is used to diagnose various neurological disorders in children. Common uses of EEG in children are as follows:
Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders: EEG is used to determine the type and source of seizures in children.
Developmental Disorders: EEG can be helpful in the evaluation of autism, learning disabilities and other developmental disorders.
Sleep Disorders: EEG is used to diagnose sleep apnea, night terrors and other sleep disorders.
Brain Injury and Trauma: EEG can be performed to evaluate brain function after trauma.
Are There Risks to EEG Testing?
EEG testing is a non-invasive and generally safe test. However, there may be some minor risks, although very rare:
Skin Irritation: There may be mild skin irritation or redness at the points where the electrodes are placed.
Seizure Triggering: In patients with epilepsy, some stimuli used during the test (e.g. light stimulation) may rarely trigger a seizure. In this case, intervention is immediate as the test environment is safe.
Is EEG Performed on Pregnant Women?
EEG is a test that can be safely performed during pregnancy. Due to the non-invasive nature of the test and the absence of any radiation, there is no known risk of EEG during pregnancy. However, it is always best to consult your doctor before having any medical test during pregnancy.
