Neurophysiology - Sleep Deprived Video Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Introduction

An EEG is a recording of the electrical activity produced by your brain. A SDEEG is a follow up to the routine EEG and can provide more information to help in your diagnosis.

You will be required to deprive yourself of sleep the night before the test. There is a 3 hour window where you can take a nap (suggest around midnight 12am-3am). This is to ensure that you are drowsy enough during the recording.

Get up as early as possible in the morning but refrain from drinking coffee, tea, fizzy drinks etc. (caffeine) from 6pm the night before the test.

With your permission, you will be videoed with a special camcorder. This is so that if you experience some of the symptoms or events for which you have been referred, the consultant in Neurophysiology will be able to have a look at them and compare what is happening to your body, with what is happening to the activity produced by your brain.

Why is SEEG performed?

A SDEEG can provide additional information such as how the brainwaves appear when you are tired, during drowsiness and within sleep. When combined with your history, clinical examination and other investigations, this can help your diagnosis.

How is an SDEEG performed?

The SDEEG is similar to the routine video EEG. 23 small discs(electrodes) are placed onto the head with a sticky paste. Additional stickers will be placed on your shoulders to record a heart trace.

When set up, you will be moved to a bed for the recording, which also includes video recording. This typically lasts around 40 minutes and involves:

• Recording a resting trace with eyes closed
• Performing a deep breathing activity (hyperventilation)
• Looking at flashing lights
• A period of time for you to fall asleep.

After the test, the electrodes are removed and most of the paste cleaned from your head. Any residue will wash out when you get home with water and shampoo. It is a good idea to bring a comb or brush with you to the appointment to tidy your hair after the test.

What are the side effects and risks?

The SDEEG is a painless procedure with no side effects. If you have sensitive skin, you may feel some irritation where the electrodes will be placed.

It is important to note that sleep deprivation can increase the chances of you having all or some of the symptoms/events that you have been experiencing.

It is important that you do not drive and that you attend with somebody who can bring you and take you back home safely. Avoid unsafe situations and following the test it is advised that you take a nap when you get home.
 
There is a small risk that hyperventilation (deep breathing) and photic stimulation (flashing lights) can trigger your symptoms/ events, but be reassured that you will be closely monitored to ensure your safety and wellbeing

The video is stored on a secure password protected server (storage device). Only medical staff involved in your care may access this information. If nothing useful is captured, then the video will be deleted.

Your data may be used for teaching, publication in medical journals and/or research only with your written permission.

What happens if I decide to have a sleep deprived video EEG?

You will have the opportunity to ask the doctor or technician questions about the information in this booklet before you decide whether or not to have an EEG.

There will be no need to sign a formal consent form. As soon as you agree to the test we can begin. The entire procedure usually takes 60 minutes.

What happens if I decide not to have a sleep deprived video EEG?

You may decide to decline the video EEG or just decline the video and go on to have the EEG only.

Your referring consultant will need to discuss the likely consequences of this decision. For example, he/she may find it more difficult to diagnose and/or treat your condition.

Is there anything else I should know?

• Avoid hair gels/oils
• Come with clean hair
• Arrive in good time for your appointment
• If you think you are going to be late, please ring us as soon as possible as it may be necessary to rebook another appointment for you

Parking can be difficult - please allow for this, it can take up to 40 minutes to park depending upon how busy the hospital is. Please park on the East Car Park on Stott Lane which is closest (5–10-minute walk) to our department.

There is a charge for parking, please bring enough money/ change with you. Parking information and site map are available online at: www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk

• This test is safe in pregnancy
• You may eat and drink normally before your test apart from the restrictions outlined earlier (no caffeinated drinks)
• This test can’t read your thoughts or emotions
• If you require ambulance transport you should contact your own GP to make the arrangements. Please let us know if you will be coming by ambulance
• Please note there are no facilities for childcare while you are having your test. For safety reasons, children of any age are not allowed in the test rooms
•  If you are currently taking any medication you should continue to do so, unless otherwise advised by your own GP or consultant
• You may be invited back to have further tests if the consultant in our department or your referring doctor/consultant thinks that a repeat test or a different test may be helpful
• In this case you may receive an appointment for another test before seeing your referring doctor/consultant for the results of your first test. The main reason for this is to save time and inconvenience for you.

Contact details

Telephone 0161 206 2068
Email: reftoneurophys@nca.nhs.uk
Department of Clinical Neurophysiology Greater Manchester Neurosciences Centre, Salford Royal Hospital, Stott Lane, Salford, M6 8HD.