Your doctor may order an electroencephalogram (EEG) if you are experiencing:
- Seizure symptoms such as sudden muscle jerks or lapses of consciousness
- Numbness or tingling in your arms, legs, fingers or other areas.
Neurological tests like the EEG measure the electrical activity in the brain or nervous system. The Neurodiagnostic Laboratory's skilled technologists conduct tests and record the results on a computer. The results are interpreted by a specially trained physician and then reported to your doctor.
Types of EEG Available
- Regular EEG: Performed in the hospital using highly sensitive monitoring equipment, the test takes about 90 minutes. The EEG is used to evaluate medical conditions including seizures, metabolic disorders, stroke, head trauma from accidents, or degenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
- Ambulatory EEG: Patients wear a portable monitor at home for a 48- to 72-hour period for more extended tracking of brain activity. This test is used to diagnose epileptic seizures, fainting or blacking out, confusion, hallucinations or behavior problems, and headaches or migraines.
- Electromyography (EMG): studies of the nerves and muscles.