Once you’re at home, rest and don’t drive for the rest of the day. An EEG can also play a role in diagnosing other brain disorders. Patients can expect to receive test results from the provider who ordered the test in three to five business days. A tech will arrive at about the same time that the wires were placed three days ago. This process will take from an hour to 90 minutes, Brown says. Your doctor may want you to stay on your regular medication routine or may ask you to stop.
An EEG, short for electroencephalogram, records the brain’s electrical signals using small electrodes attached to the scalp. EEGs record patients’ brainwaves so neurologists can diagnose a range of concerns, including concussions, dizziness, headaches and sleep disorders. A video EEG (electroencephalograph) records what you are doing or experiencing on video while an EEG test records the electrical activity of the brain or brainwaves. The purpose is to be able to see what happens when you have a seizure or an event that is suspected to be a seizure.
An EEG, or electroencephalogram, is a test that measures electrical activity in the brain. A 72-hour EEG is a prolonged version of this test, typically used to monitor brain activity over an extended period of time. But what exactly does a 72-hour EEG show?
Most medications are fine to take before an EEG, but anything that acts as a sedative may affect the test. In some cases, a sedative is given for an EEG to help you relax, but this is done by providers and is a very specific dose. Often EEGs are named based on the length of recording time required (e.g., two-hour EEG, 24-hour EEG). If your healthcare provider does not tell you, ask how long your test will last from start to finish so you can plan accordingly.
You may find that your scalp is red and irritated in the spots where the electrodes were placed, but it shouldn’t last long. If you have to be videotaped, your healthcare provider or technician will give a friend or family member instructions on how to do so. Your head will be covered with gauze or a cap during the test. The wires from the electrodes will be attached to a recording device that’s a little bigger than a portable tape player. It can be worn on your waist with the wires running inside or outside of your shirt.
When someone has epilepsy or another seizure disorder, there’s a small risk that the stimuli presented during the test (such as a flashing light) may cause a seizure. The technician performing the EEG is trained to safely manage any situation that might occur. An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test used to evaluate the electrical activity in your brain. It can help detect potential problems with brain cell communication. Due to safety risks, seizure medications are generally not lowered for EEG testing done outside of a hospital. During an EEG, flat metal discs (electrodes) are attached to the scalp.
Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. It’s helpful to study you while you’re engaged in your normal day-to-day activities because those events sometimes might serve as triggers for your symptoms. The treatment you need, if any, will depend on your final diagnosis. For example, epilepsy can usually be managed with medication or surgery. In both cases, make sure you allow extra time for checking in and test preparation (30 to 60 minutes should be enough). An ambulatory EEG can be as short as a day or up to three days long.
Monitoring Seizure Activity
One of the main purposes of a 72-hour EEG is to monitor seizure activity in individuals who are experiencing seizures. The continuous monitoring allows doctors to observe any abnormal brain waves that may indicate seizure activity. This can help in diagnosing the type of seizure disorder and determining the most effective treatment.
Detecting Epilepsy
A 72-hour EEG can also help in detecting epilepsy by capturing abnormal brain waves that are characteristic of the condition. It can show patterns of brain activity that suggest the presence of epilepsy and aid in confirming a diagnosis.
Assessing Sleep Disorders
In addition to seizure disorders and epilepsy, a 72-hour EEG can also be helpful in assessing sleep disorders. By monitoring brain activity during sleep, doctors can identify abnormalities that may be contributing to sleep disturbances.
FAQs: What else can a 72-hour EEG show?
- Brain Tumors: Abnormal brain waves on a 72-hour EEG may indicate the presence of a brain tumor.
- Mental Health Conditions: Certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, can sometimes be detected through abnormal brain wave patterns.
- Stroke: An EEG can show signs of decreased blood flow to the brain, which may indicate a stroke.
In conclusion, a 72-hour EEG is a valuable tool for monitoring brain activity over an extended period of time and can provide important information about various neurological conditions. By interpreting the results of a 72-hour EEG, healthcare providers can make more accurate diagnoses and develop appropriate treatment plans for their patients.
