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An electroencephalogram detects abnormalities in the brain waves or electrical activity of the brain. During the
procedure, electrodes consisting of small metal discs with thin wires are pasted on the scalp. The electrodes
detect tiny electrical charges that result from the activity of the brain cells. The charges are amplified and appear
as a graph on a computer screen or as a recording that may be printed out on paper. Your doctor then interprets
the reading.
Related procedures that may be performed are evoked potential studies. These studies are used to measure
electrical activity in the brain in response to stimulation of sight, sound, or touch. Please see this procedure for
additional information.
Alpha waves occur at a frequency of 8 to 12 cycles per second in a regular rhythm. They
are present only when you are awake but have your eyes closed. Usually they disappear when
you open your eyes or start mentally concentrating.
Beta waves occur at a frequency of 13 to 30 cycles per second. They are usually associated
with anxiety, depression, or the use of sedatives.
Theta waves occur at a frequency of 4 to 7 cycles per second. They are most common in
children and young adults.
Delta waves occur at a frequency of 0.5 to 3.5 cycles per second. They generally occur only
in young children during sleep.
During an EEG, typically about 100 pages or computer screens of activity are evaluated. Special attention is paid
to the basic waveforms, but brief bursts of energy and responses to stimuli, such as light, are also examined.
Drinks containing caffeine, such as coffee, cola, and tea (while these drinks can
occasionally alter the EEG results, this almost never actually interferes significantly with the
interpretation of the test)
Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and offer you the opportunity to ask any
questions that you might have about the procedure.
You will be asked to sign a consent form that gives your permission to do the procedure.
Read the form carefully and ask questions if something is not clear.
Wash your hair with shampoo, but do not use a conditioner the night before the test. Do
not use any hair care products, such as hairspray or gels.
Notify your doctor of all medications (prescribed and over-the-counter) and herbal
supplements that you are taking.
Discontinue using medications that may interfere with the test if your doctor has directed
you to do so. Do not stop using medications without first consulting your doctor.
Avoid consuming any food or drinks containing caffeine for eight to12 hours before the
test.
Follow any directions your doctor gives you about reducing your sleep the night before the
test. Some EEG tests require that you sleep through the procedure and some do not. The night
before, adults may not be allowed to sleep more than four or five hours, and children not more
than five to seven hours, if the EEG is to be performed while the patient is sleeping.
Avoid fasting the night before or day of the procedure, since low blood sugar may influence
the results.
Based on your medical condition, your doctor may request other specific preparation.
After the initial recording performed at rest, you may be tested with various stimuli to
produce activity that does not show up while you are resting. For example, you may be asked to
breathe deeply and rapidly for three minutes, or you may be exposed to a bright light.
This study is generally performed by an EEG technician and may take approximately 45
minutes to two hours.
If you are being evaluated for a sleep disorder, the EEG may be performed while you are
asleep.
Your doctor may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular
situation.