An EEG is a recording of the electrical activity of the brain. It is a totally painless procedure, which usually takes about 1 ½ to 2 hours. Small metal discs (electrodes) are attached to the patient’s scalp with an adhesive. The electrodes “pick-up” the electrical activity, which is then transmitted through wires to the electroencephalograph machine where the signals are amplified and are recorded as “wave patterns” onto a graph. This graph tracing is later read and interpreted by your physician.
The EEG is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate seizure disorders, strokes, infections of the central nervous system, head trauma, headaches, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, brain tumors, and more.
If you have been scheduled for a routine EEG, please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to register.
Special Instructions for Sleep Deprived EEG
If you have been scheduled for a sleep deprived EEG, you may be required to sleep during a portion of our test. This is sometimes needed to activate abnormal brain activity that may not be seen on the tracing when you are awake.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
789 Central Avenue
Dover, New Hampshire 03820
Phone: (603) 742-5252
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