Electroencephalogram (EEG) information sheet

Contact

EEG and Neurological Services, The Children's Hospital at Westmead

Phone: (02) 7825 2657

Location: EEG Department, Level 3, Banksia Building, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead

Introduction

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test which records the brain's electrical activity. 

This is a safe, simple and painless test. The test is done by attaching special leads to your child's head, which pick up the electrical activity of the brain and then sends the information to a computer at the bedside.

The EEG test normally takes about one hour. Your child can go home as soon as the test has been completed.

EEG safety

The EEG test is considered a very safe procedure. 

This test does not cause pain or discomfort for your child and the electrodes only record the brain's electrical activity. It does not produce any abnormal sensation or 'electrical shocks'.

Purpose of the EEG

The EEG test will help your doctor to:

  • investigate whether your child has been having seizures or 'fits'
  • help clarify the type of seizures or fits 
  • review or monitor children with epilepsy where there has been a change in the type or the number of seizures
  • understand and investigate other reasons for your child's condition.

Preparing for the EEG

Prepare your child's hair

Remember to check your child's hair for head lice at least two days before the test and treat if necessary. This is to ensure that your child's hair is free from head lice and to prevent the potential spread of head lice.

Please wash your child's hair before the test with shampoo only - do not use conditioner. This helps make sure the EEG leads on the scalp don't slip off.

Please do not use any hair care products, such as hairspray or gels, on the day of the test.

Sleep reduction

Please follow all the instructions that your doctor or EEG staff provide. 

Some EEG tests require that your child is sleep deprived, or very tired, in order to make it easier for your child to sleep during the test. This is called a sleep-deprived EEG recording.

For a sleep-deprived EEG, your child must be very tired and ready to fall asleep during the EEG test. They should be awake when you arrive for the appointment and then fall asleep shortly after the test starts.

Infants (less than 12 months of age) should be kept awake for as long as possible before the test starts.

Older children should miss between 4 to 6 hours of sleep the night before the test.

 

Caffeine restrictions

Your child should avoid food or drinks containing caffeine for 12 hours before the test (for example, coffee, soda, energy drinks).

Bottle fed babies

If your child is bottle fed, it may help if you bring a full bottle of formula to the appointment. You can also bring things to comfort your child, such as a dummy, toy, or special blanket.

 

The EEG process

You can stay with your child during the EEG.

Your child will be sitting or lying on a bed during the test. 

We will put 23 smalI 'dots' or electrodes on your child's scalp and two on your child's chest. 

The electrodes are held in place with a temporary glue or paste and tape. We will wrap a bandage around your child's head to keep the electrodes in place during the test. The glue or paste washes off easily after the test.

Depending on the age and ability of your child, EEG staff might ask your child to:

  • open and close their eyes
  • breathe deeply for up to 5 minutes
  • look at a flashing light. 

These activities changes the electrical activity in your child's brain and helps the doctor to understand your child's condition.

Some children may need a little extra time to adjust to the test environment. If your child is very restless, it can be difficult to attach the electrodes and get a good quality recording.

If you think your child will have difficulty with the EEG test, please call us before the test and talk to one of the nurses. They will assess your child's needs prior to the appointment. 

If we can't do the test, we will talk to your doctor about other options.

Please note: We do not sedate neurology outpatients.

Receiving the results

Please contact the doctor who referred you to us to find out the results of the test.

It may take a few weeks for the results of the EEG to be finalised.