How long does an EEG TAKE?

EEG or Electroencephalogram is tested to detect brain activity. As we know, brain cells interact through electrical pulses. EEG can come in handy when medical practitioners want to detect if anything is not right in the organ. It is a non-invasive test that maps the brain waves in terms of voltage fluctuations. Electrodes are attached to the scalp and the activity is recorded over a period of time.

EEG is very helpful in diagnosing various medical conditions such as epilepsy, coma, insomnia et al. A regular EEG test is supposed to last for at least 30-60 minutes sans the preparation time. However, it can last longer depending on the medical condition under examination. Preparation involves washing of the hair. It is also recommended that patients should not consume any caffeinated drinks prior to the test. 

Patients have reported the absence of discomfort during the test. The process involves marking the scalp and head area with any visible marker to place the electrodes.  These marks may be polished with a gritty cream that helps improve recording quality. Technicians’ can use adhesive tapes to keep the electrodes in place. These are then connected to the wires which send out amplifies signals which are used for imaging. These signals are recorded on computer equipment. The entire process may take 1 hour once the electrodes are in place. In case the test demands that the patient is sleeping for the test, it could last for at least three hours. 

You can relax in the comfortable position. A technician may ask you to open/close your eyes at various times. The technician will ask you to perform some simple calculations, look at imaging, read a paragraph,  breathe deeply, look at a flashing light and much more. A video is recorded frequently during the process. A video camera captures your body motions and EEG can record your brain waves. This combined recording can be very helpful in diagnosing and treating the condition of patients. 

The technician removes the cap or electrodes after the EEG test. You can go to your normal routine if no sedative is given. 

There are no side effects recorded as a part of the procedure. After the test results are analyzed by the professional medical experts, any needed diagnosis is reported. EEG comes in handy to monitor the brain activity of patients who have been in the coma.  This is all about the complete EEG test process.