For example, magnetic resonance imaging MRI scans and computed tomography CT scans may be used in the case of suspected brain tumour. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. The long-term effects of brain injury will be different for each person and can range from mild to profound. A person with alcohol related brain impairment ARBI might experience problems with coordination, thinking, planning and memory.
If a person with alcohol related brain impairment is aware of their memory limits, they can learn how to deal with them. People with alcohol related brain impairment benefit when their life is organised and follows a good structure. Allergy testing is used to find which substances provoke an allergic reaction.
Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.
The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.
Skip to main content. Medical tests. Home Medical tests. EEG test. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. The billions of nerve cells in your brain produce very small electrical signals that form patterns called brain waves.
During an EEG, small electrodes and wires are attached to your head. The electrodes detect your brain waves and the EEG machine amplifies the signals and records them in a wave pattern on graph paper or a computer screen Fig. An EEG measures electricity that your brain makes; it does NOT measure thoughts or feelings, and it does not send any electricity into your brain.
It is most often used to determine the type and origin of seizures. For example, if you have a seizure disorder , the EEG can show where abnormal activity in your brain comes from and can help distinguish between generalized or focal seizures. An EEG is of value for diagnosing epilepsy only if it detects patterns typical of epilepsy. EEG can also detect abnormal brain waves after a head injury, stroke, or brain tumor. Brain cells communicate with each other through electrical impulses.
An EEG can be used to help detect potential problems associated with this activity. An EEG tracks and records brain wave patterns. Small flat metal discs called electrodes are attached to your scalp with wires.
The electrodes analyze the electrical impulses in your brain and send signals to a computer that records the results. The electrical impulses in an EEG recording look like wavy lines with peaks and valleys.
These lines allow doctors to quickly assess whether there are abnormal patterns. Irregularities may be a sign of seizures or other brain disorders. EEGs have been used since to detect problems in the electrical activity of the brain that are associated with certain brain disorders.
The measurements given by an EEG are used to confirm or rule out various conditions, including:. When someone is in a coma , an EEG may be performed to determine their level of brain activity. The test can also be used to monitor activity during brain surgery. EEG is usually painless and very safe.
If an EEG does not produce any abnormalities, stimuli such as strobe lights, or rapid breathing may be added to help induce any abnormalities. The technician performing the EEG is trained to safely manage any situation that might occur. Hyperventilation is also commonly induced during an EEG to produce abnormalities. Some people may not be able to hyperventilate safely, such as people with a history of stroke , asthma , or sickle cell anemia. These include: Low blood sugar hypoglycemia caused by fasting Body or eye movement during the tests but this will rarely, if ever, significantly interfere with the interpretation of the test Lights, especially bright or flashing ones Certain medicines, such as sedatives Drinks containing caffeine, such as coffee, cola, and tea while these drinks can occasionally alter the EEG results, this almost never interferes significantly with the interpretation of the test Oily hair or the presence of hair spray How do I get ready for an EEG?
Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you and you can ask questions. 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.
Tell your healthcare provider of all medicines prescription and over-the-counter and herbal supplements that you are taking. Discontinue using medicines that may interfere with the test if your healthcare provider has directed you to do so. Do not stop using medicines without first consulting your healthcare provider. Avoid consuming any food or drinks containing caffeine for 8 to 12 hours before the test.
Follow any directions your healthcare provider 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. If the EEG is to be done during sleep, adults may not be allowed to sleep more than 4 or 5 hours the night before the test. Children may not be allowed to sleep for more than 5 to 7 hours the night before. Avoid fasting the night before or the day of the procedure.
Low blood sugar may influence the results. Based on your medical condition, your healthcare provider may request other specific preparations. What happens during an EEG?
0コメント