Pediatric EEG Instructions
The electroencephalograph (EEG) is a safe painless procedure that uses a machine to translate the electrical activity of the brain into a series of wavy lines. It is used to find out if there is any abnormality in the electrical function of the brain. The EEG machine can detect electrical abnormalities in the brain but can not read your child’s mind. During the test your child’s head will be measured and marked with a wax pen to identify the locations to place electrodes. Electrodes or leads are small metal disks that will be attached to your child’s scalp with a special paste or glue. Depending on the possible diagnosis needed, the technologist may ask your child to breathe deeply through his or her mouth for a short time, which may produce a slightly dizzy feeling or numbness in the hands or feet. This will go away when your child begins to breath normally again. A strobe light may be flashed into her or his eyes, or your child may be asked to open and close his or her eyes a few times. He or she may be asked to sleep or to do other simple tasks. We do these individualized tasks to help diagnose your child’s specific problem.
THE TEST
AFTER THE TEST
There are no specific discharge instructions for an EEG and your child can resume his or her normal activities. If your child did go to bed later than normal and, or got up earlier than normal, she or he may want to sleep before continuing his or her routine. You will be able to wash your child’s hair here after the test or you can wait until you get home. If a paste was used to attach the electrodes it will wash out fairly easily. Once the test is completed the glued electrodes will be removed with an acetone mixture that will leave the hair a little greasy; washing the hair with shampoo will return your child’s hair to normal. The technician will do his, or her best to remove all the glue, however, in many cases some of the glue may still be attached to the scalp when you leave the lab and it may look like your child’s scalp is flaking. When you get home use a fine tooth comb and gently scratch his/her scalp to loosen the glue. You may also use an acetone based fingernail polish remover.
RESULTS
Due to the large amount of data recorded on your child’s study, it takes a little time to review all the data. The study is analyzed carefully and a report is generated. If your referring physician is outside of Vanderbilt, the results will be faxed to him or her in approximately 5-7 business days. If your referring physician is within Vanderbilt, he or she will be able to obtain the results electronically in our internal electronic medical record system within 3-4 business days. If another physician wishes to obtain a copy of your report, he or she may phone our office at (615) 322-0959.
QUESTIONS
We know that you have a choice when it comes to your child’s healthcare and we want to thank you for choosing us at Vanderbilt. If you have any questions or concerns about the test, please call us at (615) 322-0959. Thank you.
