Electroencephalogram EEG (1310)

What is an electroencephalogram (EEG)?

The EEG shows the doctor how your child’s brain is working. It will help the doctor diagnose your child’s condition. The EEG picks up tiny electrical impulses in the brain and records them while your child is awake and asleep. The doctor looks at a pattern of impulses for clues on how to treat your child’s condition.  The EEG does not give off electricity.  It does not shock or hurt your child.

What do I need to know before the EEG?

• Wash your child’s hair the night before the EEG. Use shampoo only. Do not put anything else on your child’s hair or scalp. This includes things like such as oil, conditioner, mousse, cream rinse or hairspray.
• Hair must be free of braids, extensions, weaves or hairpieces. If we are unable to easily get to your child's scalp the EEG may need to be rescheduled.
• It is very important that your child sleep for the EEG. Please have sibling stay home or wait with an adult in the waiting area. 

If your child is not able to sleep for the test, the EEG may need to be done again.

Age and sleep instructions

• Less than 6 months old - Do not let your child sleep during the 2 hours before coming to the EEG or during the drive to the hospital.
• 6 months to 3½ years - Wake your child at 5:00 a.m. (or 2 hours before normal waking time).
• 3½ to 6 years - Wake your child at 4:00 a.m. (or 3 hours before normal waking time).
• 6 years and older - Wake your child at 2:00 a.m. (or 5 hours before normal waking time).
• Teens - Try to stay awake all night without any naps!

• Bring your child’s favorite blanket, pillow, toy or music CD.
• Give your child a meal before the EEG unless the doctor told you not to. 
• Do not give your child anything with caffeine.  This includes chocolate, coffee, tea or some sodas.
• Give your child their regular medicines before the EEG unless the doctor told you not to. Bring a list of these medicines with you.

How is the EEG done?

• Your child’s head will be measured. Marks will be drawn on your child’s head with a red or blue marking pencil. 
• A cotton swab dipped in a special cleaning lotion will be used to clean your child’s skin. 
• Small electrodes will be put on your child’s scalp. A soft white paste or liquid glue may be used to make the electrodes stick. If glue is used, a machine that blows air onto your child’s head will be used to dry the glue. It makes a sound that your child will hear. The electrodes and glue will not hurt. Your child’s hair will not be shaved or cut.
• The EEG recording will be done while your child is awake and asleep.
• Your child will be asked to watch a flashing light at one point during the recording. If old enough, your child will also be asked to breathe very fast for a short time. This may cause a certain pattern of electrical impulses to occur during the EEG.
• The EEG will take 1 to 1½ hours.  When it is done, the wires will be removed. Any paste will be removed using a warm, damp washcloth. Any glue used will be cleaned from your child’s scalp using a remover with a strong smell. Once you take your child home, you may wash your child’s hair with shampoo. If any glue remains, take it off with fingernail polish remover. Do not get the polish remover in your child’s eyes.

Results are sent to the doctor who ordered the EEG in about 7 to 10 days.

NOTE:  It is very important that your child sleeps for the EEG. Sleep medicine (sedation) is not used.  If your child cannot sleep during the EEG, the test may need to be done again.  Follow the sleep instructions chart the night before the EEG.