The brain is made up of a giant and complicated network of specialised cells called neurons. It communicates through electrical stimuli that will be analyzed via the electroencephalogram.
The health of the human brain and the complete central nervous system (CNS) will be assessed through numerous tests. In this manner, it’s possible to detect structural abnormalities and disorders of nerve function in time. Electroencephalography, tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are a few of the commonest tests.
Electroencephalogram is the tactic of alternative for the diagnosis of seizures and epilepsy, based on specialists. This medical tool has saved thousands and thousands of lives. Nevertheless, its usefulness goes far beyond diagnosis.
What’s the electroencephalogram?
This can be a functional exploration technique that measures the brain’s electrical activity in real time. In line with studies, it was Hans Berger who coined the term electroencephalogram (EEG) in 1929 to explain the recording of brain electrical fluctuations captured by electrodes attached to the scalp.
Neurons are all the time lively, transmitting electrical impulses throughout the CNS. EEG captures and amplifies these electrical signals, representing them in wavy lines that outline the activity of the several brain regions.
Usually, an EEG is performed within the basal state and subject to activation methodscomparable to hyperventilation or visual stimulation. The truth is, some professionals recommend obtaining an in depth brain recording during sleep. As well as, 24-hour follow-up EEGs can be found.
This test ends in normal and abnormal patterns that allow the diagnosis of injuries or characteristic disorders, comparable to seizures. For that reason, it’s a complementary study widely utilized in neurological consultation.
Why is that this test performed?
It’s of medical interest to guage the state of brain electrical activity in those individuals with suspected episodic or persistent nervous disorders. Amongst essentially the most frequent indications for electroencephalograms are the next:
- Alteration of upper functions, comparable to memory and consciousness
- Epilepsy or other convulsive syndromes
- Sleep disorders, comparable to insomnia
- Encephalitis and other CNS infections
- Cerebrovascular disease (CVD)
- Monitoring during brain surgery
- Traumatic brain injury
- Cranial tumors
- Alzheimer’s disease
Likewise, an EEG is helpful to substantiate brain death in patients in a deep coma. Likewise, it offers data of interest in drug-induced anesthesia.
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Possible risks and contraindications
Typically, an EEG is a reasonably protected technique and doesn’t cause any sort of pain or adversarial response. Controlled methods are sometimes used to induce seizures, comparable to light stimulation or hyperventilation. Nevertheless, the specialist is trained to offer medical attention if essential.
Preparations for an EEG
There are several recommendations that needs to be followed before performing an EEG. In this manner, we make sure that the test is performed accurately and without errors in the outcomes.
On this regard, preparations for the EEG include the next:
- Wash your hair the night before or several hours prior to the study.
- Avoid using hair conditioners, gels, oils, creams, or hairsprays, as they might hinder the adhesion of the electrodes.
- Within the case of hair extensions, ask your healthcare provider for instructions.
- Don’t change or discontinue any regular medication without your doctor’s indication. Seek the advice of your healthcare provider for further information.
- Avoid caffeinated foods or beverages 6 to eight hours before the test.
- Sleep lower than usual within the case of an EEG during sleep.
- Don’t take energizers or other products to stay upespecially if it’s essential to sleep throughout the test.
How is the EEG performed?
This test is performed by an expert EEG technician in a medical center, private office, or laboratory. He/she will probably be answerable for guiding the patient through the entire process in a protected and straightforward manner.
In the course of the test
The person to be evaluated must lie down on a stretcher or reclining chair. Then, a technician will probably be answerable for measuring the several diameters of the skull and marking the points where the electrodes will probably be placed. These discs don’t produce any sort of pain and are answerable for recording brain activity.
Typically, the electrodes are placed on the scalp using a special adhesive. Sometimes, caps that include the electrodes are used. The electrodes will probably be connected by wires to an instrument that may capture and amplify the electrical signal.
In the course of the test, the person being tested must remain relaxed and along with his or her eyes closed. Occasionally, the technician may ask the person to open and shut the eyelids, take a fast, deep breath, perform a calculation, or take a look at a vivid light. As well as, the patient might also be asked to sleep throughout the evaluation.
Usually, the body movements throughout the EEG are captured on video. In this manner, the physician can mix the brain wave recording with these images to acquire a more accurate diagnosis.
Then again, an ambulatory EEG could also be indicated for many who require more prolonged monitoring. This unit will accompany the patient throughout the day and can keep the brain’s electrical recordings while the same old activities are performed.
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After the test
The essential EEG normally lasts 20 to 40 minutes, once the electrodes are in position. Nevertheless, as mentioned earlier, some tests may require the patient to sleep, which lengthens the test.
At the tip of the EEG, the technician will remove the electrodes from the scalp. Some people may require sedatives to induce sleep, so a friend or member of the family might have to accompany them home after the test. In the event you don’t devour any sort of sedative, you may resume your every day activities as normal.
Results of the electroencephalogram
This test provides a printed record of brain activity, represented by waves which are drawn with different frequencies and amplitudes. EEG characteristics vary based on the state of consciousness. On this sense, the waves are often faster when the patient is awake and slower during sleep phases.
Health professionals are the one ones qualified to interpret an EEG and supply an accurate diagnosis. Typically, the presence of broad, sharp waves may indicate a seizure syndrome, comparable to epilepsy. Bleeding, tumors, and brain aneurysms are other common causes of abnormal findings.
If you’ve gotten any concerns, don’t hesitate to seek the advice of a physician specializing in neurology.
EEG: A useful gizmo for assessing brain health
The EEG is a protected and useful test for evaluating the health of the brain and the complete central nervous system. Early diagnosis of neurological diseases improves the standard of lifetime of many individuals and prevents long-term complications. Its administration and interpretation have to be done by health professionals.
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