Definition of EEG:

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test to detect problems in the electrical activity of the brain.

How the test is performed:

Brain cells communicate with each other by producing tiny electrical impulses. In an EEG, this faint electrical activity is measured by putting electrodes on the scalp.

The test is performed by an EEG technician in your health care provider's office, at a hospital, or at a laboratory. You will be asked to lie on your back on a bed or in a reclining chair.

The technician will place between 16 and 25 flat metal disks (electrodes) in different places on your scalp. The disks are held in place with a sticky paste. The electrodes are connected by wires to an amplifier and a recording machine.

The recording machine converts the electrical impulses into patterns that can be seen on a computer screen and stored on a computer disk. Before computers, the activity was printed on paper. In either case, the electrical activity looks like a series of wavy lines. You will need to lie still with your eyes closed because any movement can change the results.

You may be asked to do certain things during the recording, such as breathe fast and deeply for several minutes or look at a bright flashing light.

How to prepare for the test:

You will need to wash your hair the night before the test. Do not use any oils, sprays, or conditioner on your hair before this test. If you have a hair weave, you may want to ask the laboratory for special instructions.

Your health care provider may want you to stop taking certain medications before the test. Do not change or stop taking medications without first talking to your health care provider. Bring a list of your medications with you.

Avoid all foods containing caffeine for 8 hours before the test.

Sometimes you may need to sleep during the test, so you may be asked to reduce your sleep time the night before. If you are asked to sleep as little as possible before the test, do not eat or drink any caffeine, energy drinks, or other products that help you stay awake.

How the test will feel:

This test causes no discomfort. Although having electrodes pasted onto your skin may feel strange, they only record activity and do not produce any sensation. Very little electricity passes from the electrode into your skin.

Why the test is performed:

EEG is used to help diagnose seizures and their type. It is also used to evaluate:

• Abnormal changes in body chemistry that affect the brain
• Brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease
• Confusion
• Head injuries
• Infections
• Tumors

EEG is also used to:

• Evaluate problems with sleep ( sleep disorders)
• Investigate periods of unconsciousness
• Monitor the brain during brain surgery

An EEG may be done to show that the brain has no activity, in the case of someone who is in a deep coma. It can be helpful when trying to decide if someone is brain dead.

EEG cannot be used to measure intelligence.