An EEG, also known as an electroencephalogram, is a diagnostic procedure that helps detect and monitor various brain-related conditions, particularly epilepsy. The procedure helps capture your brain’s electrical impulses even when you are asleep. Hence, EEG is also known as a sleep study test.

Your doctor may recommend getting an EEG test if you experience symptoms like confusion or seizures. However, if you feel anxious and do not know how to prepare for the test, this comprehensive guide will help you have a stress-free experience.

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about EEG tests.

What is EEG?

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a diagnostic procedure that monitors and records the brain’s electrical signals or wave patterns. During the test, the technician will place small metal disks (electrodes) on the scalp, which are attached to a machine that captures the brain’s activities. Measuring the brain’s wave patterns enables your doctor to monitor and diagnose different conditions affecting the brain.

Why is an EEG Test Done?

The sleep study test can help determine changes in your brain activity by capturing its wave patterns. It can be effective in detecting various types of brain disorders- particularly seizures and epilepsy. In many cases, the test might be useful in diagnosing the following conditions:

• Sleep disorders

• Brain damage from a head injury

• Brain tumor

• Stroke

• Inflammation of the brain

• Brain dysfunction is caused by different health conditions such as encephalopathy

In patients with persistent coma, an EEG might help validate brain death.

Can EEG Be Done at Home?

It can be risky for some patients to visit a hospital or clinic to get an EEG test done – especially when the healthcare provider expects a possible brain disorder. Such patients include babies, the elderly, and those who are severely injured or recovering after an injury. For convenience and a hassle-free experience, they are likely to consider an “EEG test near me.”

Fortunately, there are many good diagnostic clinics and hospitals in India that now provide EEG testing at home. They perform the procedure using advanced & medically-certified machines that can capture the most accurate results, without any discomfort to the patients. Only highly trained technicians carry out the test, ensuring utmost safety and precision.

You can also book a sleep study test at home which allows you to closely monitor any possible sleep disorder you may have. This may include sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, or restless leg syndrome. The procedure records the brain’s electrical signals and muscle activities while you are asleep. An EEG specialist will then analyze the wave patterns to diagnose the presence of sleep disorder if any.

How is EEG Testing Done?

Whether you book EEG at home or visit a nearby clinic, the procedure remains somewhat the same. A trained technician will measure the size of your head first and then gently rub certain areas of the scalp. He will then attach around 20 electrodes to those spots using light cream.

You will need to lay on a bed or recline in a chair for about half an hour when the EEG machine records the wave patterns of your brain. During the procedure, you may need to breathe in and out deeply as the technician instructs. They may also flashlights as your eyes remain closed. The EEG machine records your brain’s response to these stimuli.

What is Sleep EEG?

When a routine electroencephalogram fails to provide enough information, your healthcare provider may recommend a sleep study test. Sleep during EEG testing provides a more comprehensive and precise evaluation of the brain’s activities. If a patient is suspected to have epilepsy but the EEG recording in wakefulness seems normal, the doctor may suggest a sleep study.

To prepare for the procedure, you need to sleep only for a few hours the night before. In certain cases, you might need a longer recording of your brain activity when you sleep. In that case, you have to wear the device overnight and it continues to record the brain’s wave patterns. You can take a sleep EEG at home or in a specialized unit in the hospital.

What are the Risks of the EEG Test?

EEG testing is non-invasive, painless, and safe to perform on patients of any age group. Where the doctor suspects epilepsy, the procedure may involve intentionally triggering seizures. In that case, the technician takes adequate safety and medical care. There are potential side effects of an EEG, though some patients may feel little discomfort during the process.

After the technician removes the discs and cream from your scalp, you may see small red areas. Do not worry. These are usually painless and will go away within a short period.

Does EEG Require Special Preparations?

While EEG does not require special preparations, there are certain things you need to keep in mind:

• You may take your regular medications unless these include muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, sedatives, or sleeping medications. You should also avoid taking medications that are used to treat seizures. These can affect the brain’s electrical signals during the test. Otherwise, you can take your usual medications.

• EEG or sleep study test often involves hyperventilation or deep breathing exercise. Hence, if you have respiratory or hearing problems, or have had head trauma, stroke, or sickle cell anemia, tell your doctor or technician about it.

• Before the test, you should not consume food that contains caffeine, including chocolate, coffee, cola or tea. Avoid these foods for at least 8 hours before the procedure.

• Make sure the hair is clean and free of oils, sprays, and lotions. These hair preparations will prevent the electrode discs more sticking onto your scalp. You need to shampoo the hair and rinse it off thoroughly the evening before and in the morning when you take the test.

Even if you take a sleep study test at home, you do not require any special preparation except for the ones mentioned above.

Understanding the Results

Typically, it takes up to 24 hours to get the results, whether you get the test done at a diagnostic clinic or at home. Your doctor will review your brain’s wave patterns from the report and identify abnormalities if any. For abnormal EEG reading, you may require to consult a neurologist or specialist who can detect your condition and provide treatment solutions.

What is the Cost of EEG?

EEG test cost in Delhi/NCR depends on several factors. These include the hospital or clinic where the test is done, probable symptoms or suspected health conditions, or complexity of the process. Make sure you compare the prices of different diagnostic clinics and choose one that provides high-quality and reliable services.

The Final Words…

For high-quality and professional EEG testing in Delhi, choose a diagnostic center that ensures dedicated care, reliability and safety. Also, check if you get the best “EEG test cost near me.”