EEG Test - Procedure Indications, Types, Purpose and Cost
Do you have any sleep problems or seizure-related problems? An EEG might help you discover the cause. EEG or an electroencephalogram can help give insight into the electrical activities in the brain. The electric activity in the brain gives rise to brain waves. Different types of brain waves are associated with different kinds of activities that we do. In the case of disordered brain activity, the brain waves get distorted, which we can easily see on an electroencephalogram. EEG brain testing is thus a simple, non-invasive method for neurologists and epilepsy specialists to study the brain. Get an accurate and reliable EEG test done right here at Medintu.
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Why is EEG Performed?
EEG is performed to get an idea about the functioning of the brain and the electrical transmission signals within the brain. The test is done as a non-invasive brain test for the following conditions:
- Diagnosis of Epilepsy disorders in adults and children
- Any irregularities in the brain’s electrical activity
- Checking for abnormal or normal sleep patterns or sleep disorders
- For monitoring brain activity during neurosurgery
- For researching brain electrical signaling during different behaviors or activities.
- Seeing the behavior of the brain post-head injury, stroke, and brain infections like encephalitis.
Thus, EEG can be a very effective way to rule out many brain disorders.
How to prepare for an EEG?
Preparing for an EEG is a relatively simple process that you can request your neurologist or EEG technician explain. Some other tips that can help you prepare for an EEG are as follows:
- Tell your healthcare provider about all your medications and any other medical devices you use so that they can give you instructions for adjusting, skipping, or continuing the dose.
- Take a headbath to clean out all the grease, oil, and dirt on your hair before the procedure. Avoid styling products and conditioners to prepare your hair for the EEG test.
- Avoid stimulants like coffee and tea, as they can interfere with the results.
- Sleep well before the appointment, as fatigue and sleep deprivation can also affect your EEG test results.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothes without metallic adornments for a comfortable testing experience.
- Avoid excessive screen time and use a lot of electronics in general to prevent the influence of these devices on the brain wave.
- Eat your regular meals unless expressly advised by your healthcare provider.
8. If you feel anxious or nervous about the test, speak to your family members, doctor, or testing technician to get an idea.
Procedure for EEG test:
1. After the doctor prescribes the EEG test, we must make an appointment either in the doctor’s clinic or any other laboratory. On the day of the appointment, one can prepare for the test by following instructions from their neurologist or physician.
2. Once at the appointment, the details are confirmed, and you are made to lie down on a bed or made to sit in a chair. Remove any metal objects like pins, jewelry, clips, etc, as they may interfere with the test results.
3. The technician then applies the electrodes or small metal discs to your head using a special gel for electrical transmission and the gluing property.
4. Once the electrodes are attached, the machine is calibrated, and baseline electrical activity recording is taken. This recording is used as a reference scale to compare with other recordings taken during the test.
5. The technician will then record the readings in different states. They may ask you to perform small tasks such as reading, opening and closing your eyes, breathing deeply, or looking at flashing lights.
6. The technician will also take readings during rest, sleep, and drowsiness.
7. A senior technician monitors the process for 30 to 60 minutes.
8. After completion of the test, the electrodes are removed.
Uses Of EEG
EEG is thus a beneficial Brain testing tool. It can be used for both medical research and testing, thus making it an essential academic and diagnostic tool in conditions such as:
1. Seizures
2. Brain injuries
3. Case of infections like encephalitis
4. Behavioral therapy
5. Evaluation of psychiatric conditions
6. Monitoring results during brain surgery
7. Evaluation of altered sensorium
8. Assessment of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s surgery.
9. To check the effect of drugs on the brain for pharmacological research.
Why Choose Medintu?
Medintu is one of the leading online platforms in India, dispensing the best of healthcare at the most affordable prices. We serve all metropolitan cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune and Ahemadabad. Our commitment is to make top-notch healthcare available in the comfort of your home. Book diagnostic tests, teleconsultation appointments, rental medical equipment, and home-based care with the help of Medintu.in.
Medintu also provides EEG tests to check for electrical abnormalities in the brain. We are partnered with the best laboratories in the country and are committed to providing the most reliable EEG tests with interpretations by distinguished Neurologists. Check EEG Brain test centers nearby with Medintu. Book your appointment today.
FAQs
EEG tests can detect several brain electrical abnormalities such as seizures, brain lesions, affected parts in brain injury, brain infection, and so on.
EEG traces the brain’s electrical activity by showing variations in electrical activity between the electrodes placed on the scalp. Specific frequencies and amplitudes of the brain waves help to detect different conditions.
EEGs are non-invasive tests that assess brain function under medical diagnosis, research, and monitoring.
The following are the main components of an EEG machine:
1. electrodes to collect the electrical signals.
2. Cap or arrays of electrodes
3. Conductive paste or get to apply the electrodes
4. Amplifiers to accentuate the electrical inputs
5. Filters for isolating the desired frequency of the waves
6. Analog to digital converter for interpreting the signal
7. Computer system to receive, store, and process the data
8. A display machine to show the brain waves collected through electrodes.
There are two main types of electrodes:
1. Surface electrodes, such as disc, silver chloride, dry, and ring electrodes, are placed on the skin or inserted into the scalp for readings.
2. Deep electrodes are inserted into the brain during neurosurgical procedures, and ECT is inserted into the brain.
The cost of EEG in India is anywhere from 1500 to 2300 rupees depending on the type of EEG, the area, and the city.
There are four major types of waves seen on the EEG machine:
1. Alpha waves: in reflective state
2. Theta waves: in drowsiness
3. Beta waves: increase in active mind
4. Delta waves: dominant in sleep or dreaming
5. Gamma waves: in periods of high concentration