An electroencephalogram, commonly referred to as an EEG, is a medical procedure that records the electrical activity of the brain. It is a non-invasive test where small sensors are placed on the scalp to detect brain waves. This procedure is generally considered safe and does not involve any discomfort or electrical stimulation to the brain.
What a Toddler EEG Is and Why It’s Performed
An EEG detects tiny electrical signals produced by brain cells, similar to how an electrocardiogram (EKG) records heart signals. Electrodes placed on the scalp capture these electrical patterns. The recorded activity appears as wavy lines on a computer screen, providing a visual representation of brain function.
EEGs are often performed on toddlers to investigate conditions such as seizures or epilepsy, which involve abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. They can also be used to evaluate developmental delays, certain sleep disorders, or other neurological concerns.
Preparing Your Child for the EEG
Wash your child’s hair the night before or the morning of the test, ensuring it is clean and free of conditioners, oils, or sprays. These products can interfere with the electrodes’ ability to make proper contact with the scalp.
In some cases, the doctor may request that your child be sleep-deprived before the EEG to encourage natural sleep during the recording, as certain brain activities are more apparent during sleep. For toddlers under two years, this might mean waking them one to two hours earlier, while for children aged two to four, it could involve a later bedtime and an earlier wake-up. It is important to prevent your child from sleeping on the way to the appointment if sleep deprivation is required.
Feed your child before the appointment. Avoid giving them caffeine or high-sugar foods for at least 12 hours prior to the test, as these can affect brain activity. Bringing a favorite blanket, toy, or pacifier can provide comfort and distraction during the visit.
Dress your child in comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing. Explain the procedure in simple, reassuring terms, perhaps by saying “they’re going to put stickers on your head to listen to your brain.” Your calming presence helps your child feel secure.
During the EEG Procedure
Upon arrival, a trained technologist will guide you and your child into the testing room, where your child may sit in a chair or on your lap. The technologist will measure your child’s head and mark specific locations on the scalp where the electrodes will be placed. These marks ensure accurate placement for recording brain activity.
Next, the technologist will prepare the marked areas by gently rubbing them with a gritty lotion or cleanser to ensure good electrical contact. Small, cup-like electrodes, typically between 16 and 32 in number, are then attached to the scalp using a special conductive paste or gel. While the application of the paste and the rubbing might feel a little unusual, the electrodes themselves are not painful and do not deliver any electrical current.
Once the electrodes are in place and connected to the EEG machine, your child will need to remain as still as possible during the recording period. The lights in the room may be dimmed to encourage relaxation or sleep, if sleep recording is part of the test. The technologist will monitor the brain wave patterns on a computer screen.
During the recording, the technologist might perform certain “activation procedures” to elicit different brain responses. These can include asking an older child to take deep breaths, known as hyperventilation, or exposing them to flashing lights (photic stimulation). These procedures are carefully controlled and monitored, and while they might trigger a seizure in a child prone to them, the medical staff is prepared to respond immediately. A routine EEG typically lasts between 60 to 90 minutes, though the total time, including setup, can extend to 1.5 to 2 hours.
After the EEG: Results and Next Steps
Once the recording is complete, the technologist will carefully remove the electrodes from your child’s scalp. The conductive paste used to attach the electrodes is water-soluble and can be easily wiped off or washed out of the hair later. Your child can typically return to their normal activities immediately after the test.
The recorded EEG data is then analyzed by a neurologist, a doctor specializing in nervous system disorders. The neurologist interprets the brain wave patterns to identify any abnormalities. Results are generally not provided immediately after the test, as they require thorough review and analysis.
You will typically discuss the EEG findings at a follow-up appointment with your referring doctor. This appointment allows the medical team to explain the results, discuss any diagnosis, and outline potential next steps or treatment plans.