NEUROLOGY & SLEEP SPECIALISTS LOCATED IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA, ALEXANDRIA, VA, OLD ALEXANDRIA, VA, LORTON, VA, & FALLS CHURCH, VA

What is an EEG?

An EEG is a diagnostic test that monitors and records the electrical activity in your brain and brain wave patterns. The test is noninvasive and painless and provides quick and accurate information to help your doctor diagnose seizures or other brain disorders. 

Why would I need an EEG?

The team of expert neurologists at Integrated Neurology Services recommends EEGs to study your brain activity and look for signs of:

• Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
• Head injuries
• Tumors
• Memory problems
• Sleep disorders
• Stroke 
• Dementia
• Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)

In some cases, the doctors use EEGs to monitor brain activity during brain surgery or to assess the brain of a person in a coma. 

How should I prepare for an EEG?

Your doctor gives you specific instructions on how to prepare for your EEG during your consultation. In general, you should wash your hair the day before your procedure and not put any styling products in it. Your doctor lets you know if you need to stop taking any medication before your EEG.

You should also avoid caffeine for at least eight hours before your appointment. Depending on the reason for your EEG, your doctor might also request that you avoid sleeping the night before the test. 

What happens during an EEG?

An EEG takes approximately two hours. Your doctor or technician begins by attaching several sticky electrodes to your scalp. Then you either lie on a treatment table or recline in a comfortable chair. 

Throughout your test, your doctor might instruct you to do things like sit still, close your eyes, or look at a visual stimulus like a flashing light or another image. 

An EEG is completely painless and doesn’t require any anesthesia. You can drive yourself to and from your appointment and don’t need to take any time off to recover.

What happens if I have abnormal EEG results?

The team at Integrated Neurology Services provides expert treatment for a wide range of conditions. If your results are abnormal, you are in good hands. 

Your doctor might be able to confirm your diagnosis and start treatment based on the results of your EEG. They might also want to order another EEG or other tests to gather more information about your condition.

Call Integrated Neurology Services or make an appointment online today for convenient EEG testing.