An EEG, or electroencephalogram, is a medical test that measures the electrical activity of the brain. It is a non-invasive procedure that involves placing small, flat metal electrodes on the scalp. These electrodes are connected to a machine that records the electrical signals produced by the brain.
EEGs are used to diagnose a variety of neurological conditions, including seizures, epilepsy, and sleep disorders. They can also be used to monitor brain activity during surgery or after a head injury.
During an EEG, the patient will typically be asked to lie down or sit in a comfortable position. The technician will then attach the electrodes to the scalp using a special adhesive. The electrodes are placed in specific locations on the scalp to capture the electrical activity of different areas of the brain.
Once the electrodes are in place, the technician will begin recording the electrical signals produced by the brain. The patient may be asked to perform certain tasks or to close their eyes during the recording to help capture different types of brain activity.
The recording process typically lasts between 20 and 60 minutes. Once the recording is complete, the technician will remove the electrodes and clean the scalp.
After the recording is complete, a neurologist will review the results of the EEG. They will look for abnormal patterns of electrical activity that may indicate a neurological condition. If an abnormality is detected, further testing may be necessary to determine the underlying cause.
Overall, EEGs are a safe and non-invasive way to measure brain activity. They are an important tool in diagnosing and treating neurological conditions and can provide valuable information about how the brain is functioning.