An electroencephalogram, commonly known as an EEG, is a medical test that records the electrical activity of the brain. Brain cells communicate through tiny electrical impulses, and the EEG detects these signals using small metal discs, or electrodes, placed on the scalp. This procedure is painless and helps healthcare providers assess brain function by identifying abnormal patterns of electrical activity, which can indicate various neurological conditions.
Primary Department for EEG
The Neurology Department is the primary setting where electroencephalography procedures are performed in a hospital or clinic. This department specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. Neurologists, who are medical doctors specializing in these conditions, frequently order EEGs to investigate symptoms related to brain activity. The Neurology Department is equipped with the necessary technology and expertise to manage patients requiring brain-related diagnostic assessments. It serves as a central hub for comprehensive neurological care, integrating diagnostic tests like the EEG into broader treatment plans.
Specialized Settings for EEG
Beyond the Neurology Department, EEGs are also performed in several specialized healthcare environments depending on the patient’s condition and monitoring needs. Dedicated EEG labs, often affiliated with neurology services, provide a focused setting for these tests. Sleep disorder clinics utilize EEGs as a component of polysomnography, which monitors brain activity during sleep to diagnose conditions like sleep apnea or narcolepsy. For urgent or continuous monitoring, particularly in cases of severe neurological compromise or unexplained changes in consciousness, EEGs may be conducted in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) or Emergency Rooms (ERs). Outpatient diagnostic centers also offer routine EEG services.
The Professionals Involved
Several healthcare professionals collaborate to perform and interpret EEG tests, ensuring accurate diagnosis and patient care. Trained EEG technologists, also known as neurodiagnostic technologists, are responsible for preparing the patient, attaching the electrodes to the scalp, and operating the EEG equipment. They monitor the recording for technical quality and may ask the patient to perform specific actions, such as deep breathing or looking at a flashing light, to elicit brain responses. After the recording is complete, neurologists, who are physicians specializing in brain disorders, analyze and interpret the complex patterns of electrical activity. These specialists use their extensive knowledge of brain function and neurological conditions to translate the EEG readings into diagnostic insights, often collaborating with other medical teams.
Common Reasons for an EEG
Doctors order an EEG to help diagnose and evaluate various neurological conditions that affect brain activity. One of the most common applications is in diagnosing epilepsy and other seizure disorders, as the EEG can detect abnormal electrical discharges characteristic of seizures. The test is also valuable in evaluating sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy, insomnia, and sleep apnea, by assessing brain wave patterns during different sleep stages. Furthermore, an EEG can be used to investigate brain activity after head injuries or strokes, helping to identify areas of brain damage or altered function. It also aids in assessing unexplained changes in consciousness, memory loss, or behavioral issues, providing insights into conditions like encephalitis, brain tumors, or certain dementias.