YOUR CHILD’S EEG
Patient Resources
An EEG records your child's brain wave activity. It doesn't hurt, you'll be with them the whole time, and this page walks you through exactly how to prepare.
What is an EEG?
An electroencephalogram (EEG) records the brain wave patterns created by the brain's electrical activity. Most EEGs are done to diagnose and monitor seizure disorders, and they can also help identify causes of other problems. Your doctor will review your child's results with you at your follow up appointment.
During the test, our technician will:
- Measure your child's head
- Prep the area with a mild cleanser
- Apply small metal discs with thin wires (electrodes) to the scalp
- Add a head wrap to help keep the electrodes in place
- Record the signals the electrodes send to a computer
Preparing your child
You'll receive an email with preparation instructions before the appointment. Follow them closely the night before the test. Sleep preparation depends on your child's age, so start by choosing it below.
Newborn to 5 months
Please try to arrange your baby's nap to fall during their test time.
6 to 23 months
Your child should wake up 2 hours earlier than usual on the day of the test.
2 to 4 years
Your child should go to sleep 2 hours later than usual and wake up 2 hours earlier than usual.
5 years and older
Your child should have no more than 4 hours of sleep. A good time frame for sleep would be midnight to 4:00 a.m.
Select your child's age above to see their sleep instructions.
For every age
- Wash your child's hair before the appointment. No gels or oils.
- Follow all instructions in the preparation email the night before the procedure.
- Explain to your child that the test won't hurt, describe the room and equipment, and reassure them that you'll be right there for support.
What the day looks like
Your child will lie on a bed during the test, or can be held by a parent. Having electrodes pasted to the scalp can feel a little strange, and lying still takes patience, but nothing about the test hurts, and you'll stay with your child the entire time.
Two kinds of EEG
Routine EEG
Done in our office
Typically scheduled as a 2 hour procedure, which includes setup and cleanup around a 1 hour recording.
Ambulatory EEG
Recorded at home
Your child takes the recording equipment home with you for anywhere between 24 and 72 hours.
Common questions
A sleep recording makes for a more complete test. If your child does not sleep, your doctor will review the awake-only recording and decide if they need additional information.
Yes, as prescribed, with one exception: stimulant medications such as ADHD and ADD medicines should not be taken before the test.
No. The electrodes only record activity. The strangest part for most kids is the paste and the head wrap, and a parent stays in the room the whole time.
QUESTIONS FOR THE TEST?
Our nurses can answer preparation questions before your child's appointment.