Understanding the EEG Test

An electroencephalogram often called an EEG is a safe painless test that records the electrical activity produced by brain cells through small sensors placed on the scalp It shows characteristic patterns of brain waves that help neurologists diagnose seizure disorders such as epilepsy evaluate unexplained blackouts or fainting study sleep problems and assess various encephalopathies and brain injuries

When Neurologists Recommend EEG

EEG is commonly ordered when a person has recurrent seizures sudden spells of unresponsiveness episodes of staring unusual movements or suspected absence seizures It is also used to support diagnosis of childhood epilepsy syndromes to monitor response to anti seizure medicines and to differentiate epileptic seizures from other events such as psychogenic non epileptic attacks or syncope In intensive care continuous EEG can detect non convulsive seizures and monitor brain function in coma

How the EEG Is Performed

During a routine EEG the technician gently measures the head and applies small metal discs called electrodes with special paste or caps The electrodes are connected to the EEG machine which amplifies and records brain activity as wavy lines on a computer screen The test is usually done while the patient is lying comfortably or sitting in a relaxed position and they are asked to keep as still as possible while remaining awake

Activation Procedures

To unmask abnormal activity the study often includes activation steps such as opening and closing the eyes deep breathing for several minutes and brief exposure to flashing lights Hyperventilation and photic stimulation may provoke typical spike or wave patterns in some epilepsy syndromes helping to confirm the diagnosis while being closely monitored in a controlled environment For certain indications sleep deprived EEG or recordings during natural or induced sleep can further increase sensitivity

Safety and Comfort

EEG is one of the safest neurological tests because it only records electrical activity and does not deliver any current to the body Most people feel only mild scalp discomfort from the electrode paste and occasional drowsiness from sleep deprivation if that protocol is used Rarely activation procedures may precipitate a seizure in someone who is very prone to them which is why the test is always supervised by trained staff with emergency support available

Interpreting EEG Results

A neurologist trained in clinical neurophysiology carefully reviews the EEG tracing looking for background rhythms reactive changes and any abnormal discharges such as spikes sharp waves or seizure patterns Abnormalities may support a diagnosis of focal or generalised epilepsy diffuse encephalopathy sleep disorders or other brain dysfunction The report correlates findings with clinical history and imaging to avoid over interpretation because some patterns can appear in healthy people

Why Choose Livasa Hospital Mohali for EEG in Punjab

Livasa Hospital Mohali offers EEG services as part of a comprehensive neurology and epilepsy program with digital recording systems experienced technologists and neurologists who routinely interpret complex studies Integration with emergency intensive care and imaging services allows prompt EEG assessment for seizures in hospitalised patients while outpatient EEG helps evaluate a wide range of neurological complaints for people across Punjab

NAP Contact Details Mohali Unit

Livasa Hospital Mohali
Sector 71 Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar Mohali Punjab 160071