Electroencephalograph
Understanding Electroencephalograph
What is Electroencephalograph?
An Electroencephalograph is a non-invasive, painless, and completely safe imaging test that measures electrical activity in the brain. It records electrical impulses, which can be seen as wavy lines on an EEG recording, helping diagnose and monitor neurological disorders such as epilepsy, seizures, and stroke. It also helps study sleep patterns, cognitive processes, and brain function.
An Electroencephalograph test records the overall electrical activity of the brain. It helps diagnose and monitor a range of conditions affecting the brain, such as epilepsy (seizures), and other disorders affecting brain activity, such as Alzheimer’s disease, sleep disorders, or psychoses. It may also be used to evaluate symptoms like abnormal movements or behavior, cognitive decline, unexplained loss of consciousness or syncope, confusion, disorientation, etc., and the extent of brain damage in an individual in a coma.
During an EEG test, small sensors are placed on your scalp to pick up the electrical signals produced by the brain. These signals will be recorded by a machine and are looked at by a doctor. They indicate how well different areas of your brain are functioning.
You should wash your hair a day before the test and avoid using products such as conditioner, hairspray, or gel. You should also avoid consuming food or drinks that have caffeine for at least 8 to 12 hours before the test. Tell your doctor about all your medications or supplements, as these may affect the test results, potentially requiring adjustments or temporary discontinuation.
Interpretation of the test results requires professional expertise. Do not self-medicate and consult your doctor to understand your test results correctly.
Disclaimer: You must visit your nearest Tata 1mg partnered lab facility for radiology tests.
What is Electroencephalograph used for?
The Electroencephalograph test is done:
- To assess overall brain function and detect abnormalities in the brain's electrical activity.
- To diagnose neurological conditions such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, or brain injuries.
- To investigate the cause of symptoms like seizures, unusual behavior, or persistent headaches.
- To assess brain function in cases of head injury or stroke.
- To evaluate brain activity during surgery or while monitoring treatment response for neurological conditions.
- To study sleep patterns and diagnose sleep-related issues.
What does Electroencephalograph measure?
The Electroencephalograph is an imaging test that utilizes a machine consisting of an amplifier, computer console, and monitor. During the procedure, the electrodes are placed on the scalp to detect electrical signals produced by neurons, which are amplified and recorded. The resulting waveforms are displayed for interpretation, allowing doctors to analyze brain function and make informed decisions. This test measures the frequency, amplitude, and patterns of brain waves, providing insight into the brain's overall function. It can also help detect abnormalities like seizure activity, encephalopathy, and sleep disorders. EEG plays a pivotal role in understanding neurological health by capturing real-time brain wave patterns.