What is a Routine EEG?
The EEG or Electroencephalogram is a recording of electrical brain waves. We perform routine, sleep-deprived and ambulatory EEGs. Patients of all ages are referred for an EEG for a variety of reasons and the outcome may assist the referring doctor in diagnosis and treatment. EEG stands for electroencephalogram. It is a recording of the ‘brainwaves’ – the electrical activity of the brain. A routine EEG takes approximately 45 minutes – 1 hour. Clinical physiologists take measurements of your head and small metal discs attached to long wires (electrodes) are then attached. The test itself is painless. The recording takes about 20-30 minutes. You will be either lying or sitting during this time. When finished you will be able to return home or to work/school. Babies, young children, and patients with learning difficulties may be given sedation in the form of a small liquid drink to induce drowsiness and/or sleep so that the patient is still enough to acquire a stable reading. This takes a