EEG - Electroencephalogram

Auckland Medical Specialists has Neurologists who provide Neurophysiology testing, including
Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS), and Electromyography (EMG) and Electroencephalogram (EEG)

EEG

What is an EEG?

An EEG is a test used to evaluate the electrical activity in the brain.

This is a painless and non-invasive procedure that has no side effects. It is used to aid with the diagnoses of some neurological disorders. Special wires called electrodes are attached to the scalp (using adhesive paste and tape) and these wires are connected to a computer that records these signals. These signals are also referred to as brainwaves.

Patients can have either an Awake (routine) EEG or an Awake and Sleep EEG, with or without sleep deprivation and sedation depending on the referring doctor's request.

Keeping still and relaxing are very important during the test. Sleeping during the test is good in most cases.

To ensure optimal results are achieved, some preparations are required.

Children 0 - 5 years old - Preparation for an EEG

• The test takes approximately 1.5hr

• To encourage sleep the child should be sleep deprived the night before by going to bed later and woken earlier; approximately 2 hours less sleep is sufficient for 4 - 5 year olds. Babies and toddlers should arrive tired enough and hungry enough to settle quietly with a bottle or dummy. The 4 - 5 year old child should be tired enough to settle comfortably with a favourite toy/movie/distraction.

• The child may eat or drink as usual but avoid stimulants such as fizzy drinks and chocolate for 6 hrs before the test.

• Hair must be clean and dry - no hair products or oils.

It can be difficult to keep a child still so distraction is sometimes helpful. Items that can accompany the child to the EEG can include:

• A bottle / dummy

• Special toy, blanket or book

• iPad / tablet or similar with favourite movies, videos, music etc

  (Note - chewing movement can affect the recording so solid food during the test is avoided)

• Some children over 3 years might be given a mild sedative (chloral hydrate) orally if sleep is necessary depending on the referring doctor's request. Children under 3 years will not be sedated.

• A list of current medicines must be brought to the appointment

• A maximum of 2 adults may accompany the child in the EEG room. No other children are permitted in the room - please make the necessary arrangements for the care of any siblings prior to the appointment.
  
  If the child is unwell on the day of the EEG (eg with a high fever or a bad cold etc) then it may be better to keep them at home and reschedule the appointment. Please check with the clinic if you are at all unsure -ph 09-638-9945. 
  

  
  

AWAKE EEG - Preparation (5 years old onwards including adults)

• The test takes approximately 1 hr. Sedation will not be given.

• Patients may be asked to be sleep deprived before the test by going to bed 2 hours later than usual and waking 2 hours earlier than usual on the day of the test.

• The patient may eat and drink before the test. However caffeine should be avoided for 6 hours before the test. This includes coffee, tea, fizzy / energy drinks (eg Coca Cola, Red Bull etc).

• Hair must be clean and dry with no hair products such as spray, gel, oils etc

• A list of current medication should be brought to the appointment   

• A maximum of 2 adults may accompany the patient in the EEG room. No other children are permitted in the room - please make the necessary arrangements for the care of any children prior to the appointment.
  
  Patients who are unwell with a cold or flu etc are advised to stay home and reschedule their appointment. Please call the clinic on 09-638-9945 as soon as possible to notify us of the cancellation and to reschedule the appointment.

AWAKE & SLEEP EEG - Preparation (5 years old onwards including adults)

• The test takes up to 1.5hrs

• All patients are asked to be sleep deprived by going to bed 2hrs later than usual and waking 2hrs earlier than usual on the day of the appointment.

• A mild oral sedative (chloral hydrate) will be available, if needed, to encourage sleep

• The patient may eat and drink before the test. However caffeine should be avoided for 6 hours prior to the EEG. This includes coffee, tea, fizzy or energy drinks (eg Coca Cola, Red Bull etc).

•  Hair must be clean and dry with no hair products such as spray, gel, oils etc

• A list of current medication should be brought to the appointment.  

•  A maximum of 2 adults may accompany the patient in the EEG room. No other children are permitted in the room - please make the necessary arrangements for the care of any children prior to the appointment.

• If a sedative has been given patients may not drive a vehicle for the rest of the day and should make arrangements to be collected following the test. Likewise they are advised against making important decisions for the remainder of the day.
  
  Patients who are unwell with a cold or flu etc are advised to stay home and reschedule their appointment. Please call the clinic on 09-638-9945 as soon as possible to notify us of the cancellation and to reschedule the appointment.

booking an appointment

Please call us on 09 638 9945 to book an appointment. If you wish to been seen as an ACC patient, please refer to the section on this website - Information for GPs. You will need to advise your Case Manager of the appointment.

If English is not your first language and you have difficulty understanding or communicating in English please bring an interpreter with you or someone who can speak and understand English on your behalf.

Once you have an appointment, you will be sent two text-to-remind messages - the first one 7 days prior to your appointment and the second one 48 hours before the appointment. Please call us 09 638 9945 if you wish to cancel or change your appointment. Where possible we ask for at least 48 hours notice for any changes or cancellations.

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