Neurosciences - Routine and Prolonged Video Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Introduction

An EEG is a recording of the everyday electrical activity produced by your brain.

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 do a video EEG?

An EEG when combined with a history, examination and scan results may help to diagnose a wide range of neurological conditions. We hope that we may capture one of your typical episodes/events/seizures during the test.

Your referring consultant will be able to explain why it is important for you to have this test.

How is a video EEG performed?

23 small electrodes are placed on your head and one on each of your wrists or shoulders using a sticky paste. The electrodes on your wrists/shoulders record your pulse.

You rest on a bed where most of the test is performed with your eyes closed. Having your eyes closed shows up the brain activity that we are most interested in. Every so often you will be asked to open and close your eyes. You will need to keep your head as still as possible.
 
You may be asked to do some deep breathing for a few minutes (health permitting) and later on to watch a flashing strobe light - photic stimulation (with your permission).

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?

There are no side effects to having the EEG itself. It is painless. In exceptional cases, people with sensitive skin may experience redness at one or more of the electrode sites.

Many patients tolerate deep breathing and/or photic stimulation without any adverse reaction at all.

There is a small risk that deep breathing and/or photic stimulation (strobe light) may produce some of the events of which you have been complaining, or other symptoms such as headache or dizziness.

There is a rare chance of photic stimulation causing an epileptic seizure. You will be monitored closely and although the risk is minimal, if you suffer an epileptic seizure this may affect your driving license. You may decline photic stimulation.

If you have been referred for this test because you suffer from epilepsy, i.e. seizures or fits, then there is a small risk of causing a seizure or fit if you are photosensitive.

The video is stored on a secure password protected server (storage device). Only medical staff involved in your care may access this information.

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 video EEG?

You will have the opportunity to ask the doctor or technician questions about the information in this leaflet 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.

A routine video EEG usually takes approximately 40 minutes. A prolonged video EEG usually takes approximately 60-90 minutes. The length of recording will depend on why your consultant has referred you.

Please do not wear any hair applications such as gels/oils, or foundation makeup (including liquid/powder) on the day of the test. Recent (within the week) hair colours or perms may interfere with the test. Any wigs or hair pieces may have to be removed.

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

You may decide to decline the video EEG or just decline the video and go on to have a routine/prolonged 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?

• Please arrive in good time for your appointment. If you think you will be late please ring us as soon as possible. It may be necessary to re-book 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 Car parking which can be paid for by card or by coins. Parking information and site map are available online at: www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk
• You may eat and drink normally before your test
• This test can’t read your thoughts or emotions
• Please note there are no facilities for childcare while you are having your test and children are not permitted in the clinic room
• 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 transport
• 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 (MCCN), Salford Royal Hospital, Stott Lane, Salford, M6 8HD