مهندسی پزشکی

We must obtain your consent for any procedure or treatment beforehand. Staff will explain all the risks, benefits and alternatives before they ask for your consent.

If you are unsure about any aspect of the procedure or treatment proposed, please do not hesitate to ask for more information.

What is an EEG?

An EEG is a routine test carried out in specialist hospitals. The test records the electrical impulses that your brain produces whilst sending and receiving messages to and from your body. EEGs are carried out on patients of all ages and abilities.

What does EEG stand for?

EEG stands for Electroencephalograph.

Electro - the electrical impulses that are being measured

Encephalo - the head

Graph - the way the results of the test are presented

What is a sleep deprived EEG?

You may have already had a standard waking EEG.

Sleep deprivation may help in two ways. Firstly the tiredness may result in brain waves on the EEG which are not usually seen. Secondly, you may fall asleep during the EEG and this may reveal new information that would otherwise have been unseen. If you are being investigated for seizures, there is a slightly increased risk of you having a seizure when you are sleep deprived (see later).

How long will I be at the hospital?

You should expect to be at the hospital for about 2 hours.

Where is the test done?

The test is performed in a recording room on N Floor (tower block) of the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. The room contains a couch and the EEG equipment. There will be a technician present and there is also room for you to bring someone with you if you wish.

Please note (parents and guardians):

We have no provision for accompanying children to be supervised whilst you are having your EEG. If you have any problems arranging childcare, please ring the department to discuss this.

Is there anything I need to do before having the test?

Yes, you should:

•      Stay awake throughout the whole of the night before your test.

•      Have a good breakfast.

•      Have clean hair that is free from hair-spray or gel.

•      Wear comfortable loose clothing that you are happy to sleep in.

•      Continue with any medication you are currently taking. It is helpful to bring a list of your medications with you.

•      If you would usually drive to your appointment, please make alternative arrangements. It is not safe for the patient or anyone who stayed up with them, to drive after sleep deprivation.

What happens before the test?

To prepare you for the test, your head will be measured and then rubbed with a cotton bud and some abrasive paste. A sticky paste is then used to make it easier for the 23 discs that will be placed on your head to pick up the small impulses we are going to record.

Getting you ready for the test takes about 20 minutes.

You may ask any questions that you have at this time.