Electroencephalogram is a technique used to measure electrical activity within the brain. Everyone’s brain gives off small amounts of electricity, though these are much weaker than the i’mpulses generated by the heart. Electroencephalogram (EEG) can detect brain elertrical discharge patterns that differ from normal. and can help in the diagnosis of a number of brain disorders. The test may be able to confirm or lucalise abnormalities that cannot be detected by x-ray or scanning. However, other tests may be needed to discover the cause.
EEG is performed as either an inpatient or an outpatient procedure in a special room that is insulated against noise. Patients are asked to shampoo their hair (but not apply conditioner, spray or oil) the night before the test so that the electrodes can make good contact with the scalp. Between 16 and 30 electrodes are pasted in various positions on the scalpas the patient lies face up on a bed or reclining chair and sleeps or rests with closed eyes. The elec-trodes amplify the brain’s electrical impulses and convert them into signals that are recorded on a moving strip of paper. The procedure is harmless and painless, and usually takes about go minutes. After the test it is necessary to brush and wash hair to remove all the paste.
