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The EEG: Electroencephalogram Test

What is it?

• The test is used to evaluate the health of your brain and to diagnose nervous system disorders.
• It helps evaluate the electrical patterns of your brain to determine if there is abnormal electrical activity.
• Your EEG may be performed while you are awake or while you are asleep.

How long does it take?

• About 1 1/2 hours.

Why is an EEG performed?

• It may be used if you are experiencing blackouts or spells of various nature, seizures, headaches, depression, a sleep disorder, dizziness, problems with memory, or weakness of arms and legs.

Does it hurt?

• No. You will not experience any pain or discomfort.
• The EEG is not a shock treatment.
• The EEG is not an intelligence test. It cannot tell what you are thinking. Nothing is put into or taken out of your brain.

What is a "Sleep" EEG?

• Because the brain's electrical activity differs depending on whether you are asleep or awake, an EEG recorded while you are sleeping can be very informative, especially when seizures or any type of spell is suspected.

Where is it conducted?

• EEG and Evoked Potential Labs.
  • Lower Level of Carver Pavilion.

How many EEGs are conducted each year?

• About 1,000 EEGs are done each year.

What should you do to prepare for the test?

• Wash your hair. Do not use any sprays, oils, or dressing of any kind.
• Eat normal mea.
• Continue taking prescribed medications unless your doctor gives other instructions.
• If you have a "sleep" EEG, you may be asked to sleep less the night before the test, and to bring someone with you to the lab to drive you home.

How is it performed?

• You will recline in a comfortable chair and be asked to remain very still.
• A soft, red pencil will be used to mark areas where electrodes will be glued on your scalp.
• Some special jelly is applied to each electrode.
• Each electrode is checked with a meter to ensure proper functioning.
• Lie very still and close your eyes. At certain times, you may be asked to open and close your eyes, and to breathe deeply for about three minutes.
• For one part of the test, a strobe light will temporarily flash on and off. You may be given a sedative to help you relax and sleep.

After the test

• The electrodes are removed with acetone, which dissolves the glue and leaves your hair and skin intact.
• You may return to your hospital room or home, unless given other instructions from your doctor.
• You may wash your hair.
• If you have been given a mild sedative, you should be driven home by a relative or friend.
• You will learn the test results either from the doctor before you leave, or from a copy of the letter sent to your personal physician.

Last Reviewed 2005

Source: University of Iowa Department of Neurology

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.