EEG Full Form- Electroencephalogram

What is EEG? The full form of EEG is Electroencephalogram. An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that uses tiny metal discs (called electrodes) affixed to the scalp to assess electrical activity in the brain. Electrical impulses are used by brain cells to communicate, and they are always active—even when we are asleep. 

Wavy lines can be seen during this activity on an EEG recording. One of the primary methods for diagnosing epilepsy is an EEG. Other brain illnesses can also be diagnosed using an EEG. An EEG is a test that looks for anomalies in your brain's electrical activity, or brain waves. 

Electrodes, which are tiny metal discs with thin wires attached to them, are applied to your scalp during the operation. Your brain cells' activity produces minute electrical charges, which are detected by the electrodes. The charges are enlarged and show up as a recording that can be printed either on paper or as a graph on a computer screen. The reading is then interpreted by your healthcare provider.

Why is EEG Done?

When diagnosing brain illnesses, particularly epilepsy or another seizure disorder, an EEG can detect variations in brain activity. Additionally, an EEG may be useful in the diagnosis or treatment of:

• Brain tumors
• Brain damage from head injury
• Brain dysfunction that can have a variety of causes (encephalopathy)
• Sleep disorders
• Inflammation of the brain (herpes encephalitis)
• Stroke
• Sleep disorders
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

In cases where a patient is in a protracted coma, an EEG may also be utilized to verify brain death. For someone in a coma that has been medically induced, a continuous EEG is utilized to help determine the appropriate dosage of anesthetic.

Risk Factor: EEGs are painless and safe. People who have epilepsy may occasionally be deliberately made to have seizures during the test; nevertheless, if necessary, adequate medical treatment is given.

How are Patients Prepared for EEG?

Meals and Medications: Take your prescriptions as usual unless directed to do differently.

Additional safety measures:

• On the night before or the day of the test, wash your hair, but avoid using style gels, conditioners, hair creams, or sprays. Hair products may make it more difficult for the electrode adhesive patches to stick to your scalp.
• Your doctor may advise you to sleep less or not sleep at all the night before your EEG if you are expected to sleep during it.

An EEG will cause you little to no discomfort. Sensations are not transmitted by the electrodes. All they do is capture your brain waves.

The following are some things to anticipate from an EEG:

• The technician takes your head measurement and uses a special pencil to mark your scalp where the electrodes should be attached. To get a better recording, you could try using a gritty cream to clean certain areas of your scalp.
• A technician uses a special glue to attach discs, or electrodes, to your scalp. An elastic cap equipped with electrodes is occasionally utilized in its place. Wires are used to link the electrodes to an apparatus that amplifies brain waves and records them on a computer.
• Throughout the exam, you unwind in a comfortable position with your eyes closed. The technician may ask you to open and close your eyes, read aloud, look at a picture, do some easy math, take deep breaths for a short while, or focus on a flashing light at different points during the procedure.
• The EEG is frequently captured on video. A video camera records your movements, while an EEG records the waves in your brain. Your doctor can identify and treat your ailment with the aid of this combination recording.