An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a record of brain activity
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Patient handouts
EEG Photobook
A successful and complete EEG records both waking and sleep.
Your child must:
- Come awake to the test
- Fall asleep during the test
All children must have clean, dry hair (no gel, hairspray or oil).
Unless your doctor has told you otherwise, give your child their medication as usual.
The Test
- Your child must be sleep deprived - do not let your child fall asleep on the way to us
- The technologist will measure your child's head and place approximately 25 electrodes on top of the scalp with a special paste - it is important that your child can lay still whilst the test is being set-up
- The EEG will record brain activity onto a computer, which will be read by a doctor afterwards
- If your child is old enough, they will be asked to open their eyes, watch a special flashing light (photic stimulation) and do some deep breathing (hyperventilation)
- After this, your child will lay quietly with their eyes closed - this is when we are waiting for sleep
- Once the recording is done, the electrodes will be removed with water
Video is recorded during all children's EEG tests so that the doctor can connect questionable episodes or behaviour with brain activity. If you have any concerns about this, please speak to your technologist.
