Cells in the brain use very low levels of electricity to communicate with each other.

• In an EEG, a measurement of the electrical activity is shown on a monitor and appears as wavy lines.
• Small metal discs with wires attached are placed on your child’s scalp with some gel (this is painless).
• Some places will use a cap rather than individual wires.
• The wavy lines are read and interpreted by a specialist.
• The EEG findings are then considered along with the full medical history by the treating doctor who will decide a treatment plan for your child.
• An EEG takes approximately 30 mins.

Your child may need to be kept awake for several hours before their appointment. Their hair will need to be clean but conditioner or oils should not be used to allow the electrodes to stick to the scalp. Your child's hair needs to be dry.

• Bring a device or activity your child can use while sitting in a chair.
• The EEG technician may ask your child to do additional tasks during EEG monitoring. This may include blowing a toy windmill or look at flashing lights.
• Once the recording has been finished, you can go home immediately.
• You will get information on how to remove the gel from your child’s hair.
• You will need to make an appointment to see your doctor for the results. A report of the results will be sent to your referring doctor, usually in about a week.

Video EEG-telemetry involves the recording of a child’s physical activity with a video camera along with simultaneous brainwave (EEG) recording via a computer. It is used mainly in the diagnosis of events that are suggestive of seizures.

• Video–EEG telemetry is used to distinguish epileptic seizures from non-epileptic events.
• It is also used to help the doctor diagnose the type of epilepsy syndrome your child may have.  
• If your child has an event while having telemetry, doctors can review the video and corresponding brainwave recordings.
• If the recordings are indicating a seizure, patterns may appear in the brainwave recording.

It would be useful for the patient to have their usual seizure events during a Video-EEG telemetry so these can be captured on the recordings. Staff will discuss options with the family to increase the likelihood.

• This may include having your child engage in tasks likely to bring on their typical seizures, or having their medication doses temporarily altered. Your doctor will give you specific instructions.
• If your child is booked in for a telemetry study, it will most likely be done in a children’s hospital.
• The study may take several hours, overnight, or up to a week. It depends on the patient.
• Sydney Children’s Hospitals (Randwick and Westmead), only accept referrals from paediatric neurologists and paediatricians.
• A parent or guardian is required to stay with the child at all times.
• If staying overnight, the carer will have access to a bed in the room with their child.
• Results will be discussed during a follow-up appointment.

Your child will lie on a bed in a machine called an MRI scanner, a brain imaging device that uses a magnet and radio waves to take detailed pictures of the brain. It has a short tunnel which is open at both ends. The bed slides through the scanner.

• The MRI scanner is very noisy due to the magnet inside the machine. It is similar to a hammering sound.
• Your child will be given headphones to block out most of the noise and they may be able to listen to music.
• Your child will  be given a call button to use if they require any help while in the scanner.
• MRI scans can take 45 minutes to an hour. Your child will have to lie completely still during this time.
• You will need to complete an MRI safety questionnaire to ensure there are no concerns with your child undergoing an MRI.
• The main areas of concern are if your child has any internal metal objects from previous surgery, such as a pacemaker. This is often not a problem for children.
• Parents can be in the MRI room with their child, but will also need to complete a safety questionnaire.
• If other children attend the appointment they will need to be supervised in the waiting area.

If your child is younger than 8 years or you feel they are unable to lie still for this procedure or do not like confined spaces, your doctor may suggest general anaesthetic. If your child requires this, you may discuss the risks and benefits of this with your doctor.

• Help your child prepare for an MRI by explaining the test in simple terms.
• Explain that pictures of their head will be taken.
• Let them know they will be in a small tunnel, and that the equipment will make knocking and buzzing noises.
• They will need to remain very still for the pictures.
• Remind your child that you'll be nearby during the entire test.