Video electroencephalogram (VEEG) information sheet

Contact

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

Phone: (02) 7825 2647

Location: Neuroscience Inpatient Unit, Level 3, Banksia Building, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead

Introduction

An video electroencephalogram (VEEG) is a test where we record what your child is doing at the same time as the EEG.

The test records the brain’s electrical activity by attaching special leads to your child’s head, which pick up the electrical activity of the brain and then send this information to a computer at the bedside. 

At the same time, your child is recorded with a camera that is positioned above your child's bed.

The VEEG will vary from a few hours during the day to continuous monitoring over a number of days and nights. Your doctor will let you know how long your child's VEEG test will take.

Purpose of a VEEG

The VEEG test will help your doctor to:

  • investigate whether your child has been having seizures or 'fits'
  • help clarify the type of seizures or fits 
  • monitor children with epilepsy where the type or the number of seizures has changed over time
  • see if epilepsy surgery is a suitable treatment option for your child.

Preparing for a VEEG

Admission letter

You will receive a letter from The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, which will confirm the admission date and provide instructions about what you need to do on the day of admission. 

Phone call confirmation

Our Nurse Specialist will phone you to discuss:

  • preparing for the test
  • your child’s individual needs 
  • the type and frequency of your child’s seizures
  • special instructions, including making changes to your child’s normal sleep routine or medication(s)
  • any questions you might have.

Hair preparation

Please check your child’s hair for head lice at least two days before their admission and treat, if necessary.

Please wash your child’s hair the night before the admission with shampoo only. Please do not use any conditioner, hair gels or sprays. 

This helps make sure the EEG leads on the scalp don't slip off.

Admission time confirmation

Please call the Hospital on the morning of the admission to confirm that a bed is available in the Neurosciences Inpatient Unit.

The VEEG process

A parent or carer is required to stay with the child during the VEEG monitoring. They must be over the age of 18 years and have a good understanding of your child’s seizures or episodes.

  • When you are admitted, a nurse will show you around the ward and help you and your child settle in. 
  • The EEG staff will explain the VEEG recording equipment and explain how to keep your child in view of the video camera throughout the test. A folding chair bed is provided for you next to your child’s bed.
  • Please let the nursing staff know when you need to leave the bedside to eat, or use the bathroom.
  • The staff will make sure your child is supervised during these short periods of time. 
  • Meals are not provided for parents and carers. Food is available from the cafes in the Hospital.

The VEEG bed space

  • Please make sure the camera view of your child is not blocked at any time during a VEEG.
  • The space around the bedside must be clear of any extra furniture, electrical cords or other hazards.
  • Please make sure that the bed rails or cot sides are up at all times for safety reasons. Please keep the pads or bolsters in place on the sides of the bed or cot as well.
  • The staff will let you know which lights can be turned off during the night or whether the half-light above the bed head needs to remain on during the night.