EEG and seizures

This is a great example of an EEG on a child.

An EEG also known as an Electroencephalogram is a tool that is used to discover the abnormalities in the functioning of the brain by reading the brain waves of each of the sections of it.

The brain sends and receives messages from different parts of the body that are like electric impulses sent and received by the brain cells also known as the neurons. During the test, the doctor will study the reactions of the brain by doing experiments such as using flashing lights at different speeds, having a sleep deprived patient following certains instructions such as staring at a blinking light or opening and closing of the eyes, sometimes having them sleep for periods of time or testing the reflexes. These tests are used to study the brain waves when weakened and some may even trigger convulsions which would help the doctor to locate more easily the malfunctioning part of the brain.

This test has a history of its own. Years ago, and maybe even nowadays, it used to be little needles directly poked into the scalp. There also is a cap which is painless. Some also use some receptors glued to the head. Either one of them is quite efficient.

This test is usually prescribed to determine if the convulsions are caused by stress, fevers, brain damage, malfunctioning of the brain, sugar levels, etc. It usually last an hour and you should be at the hospital at least half an hour prior to this test as you will be asked to fill a questionnaire. Also, if there are some specific process to follow, please to so meticulously as othewise, the test would be negatively affected and you might have to come back to do it another time.