Most of your questions should have been answered by this leaflet, but remember that this is only a starting point for discussion with the healthcare team. Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Neurophysiology Department on tel: (01482) 675339 or 675388. Once you have left the department the recording will be reviewed by the physiologist and then by a member of the medical team who will send a report to the doctor who referred your child for the EEG. The results will go back to your child’s doctor.There are no after effects from this test.Any residue of paste can be removed by shampooing the hair. You may wish to bring a brush or comb with you to tidy your child’s hair. The electrodes will be removed and your child’s head cleaned with warm water.The entire test will take between 60-75 minutes. If this happens the physiologist will discuss with you what happens next. Occasionally children are unable to settle sufficiently for the examination to be performed.The recording will take approximately 30 minutes.Once the electrode application is complete the recording will commence.An elastic net or bandage may be placed over your child’s head to secure them in place.
Prior to this their head will be rubbed with some gritty paste to obtain a good contact with their skin. Several small electrodes will be applied to your child’s head using sticky paste.This may be sitting on your knee, lying in your arms, lying on a bed or in a car seat or buggy depending on your child. A discussion will take place to decide on the best way to help your child settle during the test.The physiologist performing the EEG will explain the test to you and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.On your arrival in the department we will obtain your consent for the procedure before the investigation begins. If your child is due a nap around the appointment time please if possible try and postpone this until they arrive in the department as this may make it easier for them to settle.If your child is due a feed around the time of the appointment please delay the feed until arrival if possible as having a feed may help your child settle or fall asleep during the investigation. Please bring a bottle of juice or milk.Please bring your child’s favourite toy or comforter with them to provide distraction.Please bring a list of any current medication your child is taking.Allow your child to eat and drink as normal.Give your child their medication as normal unless otherwise directed by your doctor.Please wash your child’s hair before you come to the hospital and do not use any hair products (gel, wax etc) on them.Wherever possible we ask that you refrain from bringing other children with you as we have limited space and they can often be a distraction. You may like to bring another adult such as partner, grandparent or friend to help you entertain your child during the test.Do I need to do anything before the test? If this happens the physiologists will discuss the options with you which may include a further appointment when we would sedate your child prior to the EEG. Occasionally it may not be possible to settle your child sufficiently to record an EEG. Why does my child need an EEG?Īn EEG can help explain fits, seizures or other conditions affecting the brain and is a tool to help your child’s doctor in making a diagnosis. The activity is recorded on a computer and a video recording of your child is made at the same time. EEG is the abbreviation of electroencephalogram, which is the recording of electrical activity produced by the brain. What is an EEG?Īn EEG will be performed by a clinical physiologist. If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team caring for your child. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your doctor, but may act as a starting point for discussion. Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet. This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about your child’s test. Need some help choosing a language? Please refer to Browsealoud Supported Voices and Languages. You can translate this page by using the headphones button (bottom left) and then select the globe to change the language of the page.