eeg results report to patient

How to write an EEG report?

The EEG report is structured to include demographics of the patient studied and reason for the EEG; specifics of the EEG techniques used; a description of the patterns, frequencies, voltages, and progression of the EEG pattern that were recorded; and finally a clinical impression of the EEG significance. The interpretation should be concise, clear and to the point, avoid jargon and EEG specifics, and should be understandable by any health care practitioner.

What can the EEG tell us?

The basic engineering principles of the EEG:

• Each pair of electrodes on the scalp forms a channel; each channel represents the difference in voltage between the pair.
• The arrangement of channels on the EEG page is the montage. ...
• Ohm’s law dictates that in a simple electrical circuit, voltage is the product of electrical current and resistance. ...

What does my EEG test report indicate?

Why?

• A normal EEG does not mean that you did not have a seizure. ...
• During a seizure, the electrical activity is abnormal. ...
• The likelihood of recording a seizure during a routine EEG is small. ...
• Specific techniques, like flashing lights or 2 to 5 minutes of deep breathing (hyperventilation), often are used to provoke abnormal brain waves so they can be recorded. ...

Why so long for EEG results?

These include:

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) caused by fasting
• Body or eye movement during the tests (but this will rarely, if ever, significantly interfere with the interpretation of the test)
• Lights, especially bright or flashing ones
• Certain medicines, such as sedatives

More items...

What is normal EEG report?

Most waves of 8 Hz and higher frequencies are normal findings in the EEG of an awake adult. Waves with a frequency of 7 Hz or less often are classified as abnormal in awake adults, although they normally can be seen in children or in adults who are asleep.

How can EEG data be interpreted?

An EEG technician measures your head and marks where to apply the leads. When the test begins, the electrodes record your brainwaves and sends the activity to a recording machine. The EEG machine then converts the data into a wave pattern for interpretation.

Do you get EEG results right away?

The EEG recording must be analysed by a neurologist, who then sends the results to your doctor. It is important to make a follow-up appointment with your doctor. In many cases, the test results are sent to your doctor within 48 hours of the test.

What is abnormal EEG report?

An abnormal EEG means that there is a problem in an area of brain activity. This can offer a clue in diagnosing various neurological conditions. Read 10 Conditions Diagnosed With an EEG to learn more. EEG testing is one part of making a diagnosis.

What information does an EEG provide?

The main use of an EEG is to detect and investigate epilepsy, a condition that causes repeated seizures. An EEG will help your doctor identify the type of epilepsy you have, what may be triggering your seizures and how best to treat you.

How do you record an EEG?

Small metal discs with thin wires (electrodes) are placed on the scalp, and then send signals to a computer to record the results. Normal electrical activity in the brain makes a recognizable pattern. Through an EEG, doctors can look for abnormal patterns that indicate seizures and other problems.

Can EEG detect past seizures?

An EEG can usually show if you are having a seizure at the time of the test, but it can't show what happens to your brain at any other time. So even though your test results might not show any unusual activity it does not rule out having epilepsy.

Can EEG detect mental illness?

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive investigation that can aid the diagnosis of psychiatric and neuropsychiatric disorders. A good predictor of an abnormal EEG recording is the presence of an organic factor identified during the clinical assessment.

Can an EEG miss a brain tumor?

The low specificity and sensitivity of EEG (even in patients with clinical seizures as primary symptom of a brain tumor) underline that EEG does not contribute to diagnosis and a normal EEG might even delay correct diagnosis.

What is spike-and-wave in EEG?

Spike-and-wave is a pattern of the electroencephalogram (EEG) typically observed during epileptic seizures. A spike-and-wave discharge is a regular, symmetrical, generalized EEG pattern seen particularly during absence epilepsy, also known as 'petit mal' epilepsy.

What is abnormal brain activity?

Epilepsy happens as a result of abnormal electrical brain activity, also known as a seizure, kind of like an electrical storm inside your head. And because your brain controls so much, a lot of different things can go wrong. You may have periods of unusual behaviors, feelings and sometimes loss of awareness.

How do you analyze an EEG signal in Matlab?

So it includes the following steps:Collection the database (brain signal data). Development of effective algorithm for denoising of EEG signal.Processing the data using effective algorithm.Develop effective algorithm for analyzing the EEG signal in Time-Frequency.Classify EEG signal by frequency analyzing.More items...•

How do you read QEEG results?

0:064:15understanding qEEG data - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipData is from 5 to 7 Hertz. And it corresponds to daydreaming. Alpha is from 8 to 10 Hertz. And asMoreData is from 5 to 7 Hertz. And it corresponds to daydreaming. Alpha is from 8 to 10 Hertz. And as the calming. And ready or idling state 11 to 30 Hertz is called beta.

Why do doctors recommend EEG?

Was this helpful? Your doctor may recommend an EEG (electroencephalogram) to diagnose the cause of symptoms, such as seizures or memory loss. An EEG evaluates brain function by measuring the electrical activity within the brain. It records patterns of activity during rest and in response to certain stimuli.

What are the waves in an EEG?

Doctors use information from an EEG to gain insight into brain activity. 1. Alpha waves are related to relaxation and attention. They are present when you are awake with your eyes closed. They usually disappear when you open your eyes and pay attention to something. 2. Beta waves are normal in people who are awake.

Can seizures show abnormal brain activity?

This happens in epileptic seizures. In partial seizures, only part of the brain shows the sudden interruption. The whole brain shows it in generalized seizures. The other way an EEG can show abnormal results is called non-epileptiform changes.

Can an EEG reveal what is happening in the brain?

The test can only reveal what is happening in the brain; it can’t explain why it’s happening. That requires the expertise of your doctor. When discussing your test results with your doctor, it's helpful to have background information on the test itself and normal and abnormal EEG results.

What to expect during an EEG?

Here are some things you can expect to happen during an EEG: A technician measures your head and marks your scalp with a special pencil to indicate where to attach the electrodes. Those spots on your scalp might be scrubbed with a gritty cream to improve the quality of the recording.

What is an EEG?

An EEG records the electrical activity of your brain via electrodes affixed to your scalp. EEG results show changes in brain activity that may be useful in diagnosing brain conditions, especially epilepsy and other seizure disorders.

How are EEG electrodes connected?

In a high-density EEG, shown here, the electrodes are closely spaced together. The electrodes are connected to the EEG machine with wires. Some people wear an elastic cap fitted with electrodes, instead of having the adhesive applied to their scalps. You'll feel little or no discomfort during an EEG.

Why is EEG used in a coma?

A continuous EEG is used to help find the right level of anesthesia for someone in a medically induced coma.

Why do we use EEG?

An EEG might also be helpful for diagnosing or treating the following disorders: An EEG might also be used to confirm brain death in someone in a persistent coma.

Why do we use EEGs in a coma?

Sleep disorders. An EEG might also be used to confirm brain death in someone in a persistent coma. A continuous EEG is used to help find the right level of anesthesia for someone in a medically induced coma.

How to relax during a blood test?

You relax in a comfortable position with your eyes closed during the test . At various times, the technician might ask you to open and close your eyes, perform a few simple calculations, read a paragraph, look at a picture, breathe deeply for a few minutes, or look at a flashing light.

What is an EEG report?

The EEG report is structured to include demographics of the patient studied and reason for the EEG; specifics of the EEG techniques used; a description of the patterns, frequencies, voltages, and progression of the EEG pattern that were recorded; and finally a clinical impression of the EEG significance. The interpretation should be concise, clear ...

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What is an EEG?

An EEG is a test that detects abnormalities in your brain waves, or in the electrical activity of your brain. During the procedure, electrodes consisting of small metal discs with thin wires are pasted onto your scalp. The electrodes detect tiny electrical charges that result from the activity of your brain cells.

How many pages does an EEG take?

Electroencephalogram (EEG) During an EEG, your healthcare provider typically evaluates about 100 pages, or computer screens, of activity. He or she pays special attention to the basic waveform, but also examines brief bursts of energy and responses to stimuli, such as flashing lights.

What happens if you get a seizure?

If you do get a seizure, your healthcare provider will treat it immediately. Other risks may be present, depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure. Certain factors or conditions may interfere with the reading of an EEG test.

How many electrodes are used in an EEG?

Generally, an EEG procedure follows this process: You will be asked to relax in a reclining chair or lie on a bed. Between 16 and 25 electro des will be attached to your scalp with a special paste, or a cap containing the electrodes will be used. You will be asked to close your eyes, relax, and be still.

Why do we need an EEG?

The EEG may also be used to determine the overall electrical activity of the brain (for example, to evaluate trauma, drug intoxication, or extent of brain damage in comatose patients). The EEG may also be used to monitor blood flow in the brain during surgical procedures. There may be other reasons for your healthcare provider to recommend an EEG.

What are the factors that interfere with EEG reading?

These include: Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) caused by fasting. Body or eye movement during the tests (but this will rarely, if ever, significantly interfere with the interpretation of the test) Lights, especially bright or flashing ones.

How long should a child sleep before a sex test?

Children may not be allowed to sleep for more than 5 to 7 hours the night before. Avoid fasting the night before or the day of the procedure. Low blood sugar may influence the results. Based on your medical condition, your healthcare provider may request other specific preparations.

Who interprets EEG results?

Share Your Story. When the EEG is finished, the results are interpreted by a neurologist (a doctor who specializes in the nervous system ). The EEG records the brain waves from various locations in the brain. Each area produces a different brain wave strip for the neurologist to interpret.

What does an EEG do to a person?

During an EEG, the doctor may encourage the things that stimulate seizures, such as deep breathing or flashing lights, so that he or she can see what happens in the brain during the seizures.

How long does an EEG last?

The sleep EEG will last about 2 to 3 hours. Ambulatory EEG: During a specialized ambulatory (moving from place to place, walking) EEG, the electrodes are placed on the patient's scalp and attached to a portable cassette recorder.

How long before an EEG can you stop taking stimulants?

If the patient routinely takes seizure medication to prevent seizures, antidepressants, or stimulants, he or she may be asked to stop taking these medications 1 to 2 days before the test. The patient may be told not to consume caffeine before the test.

Why is EEG used?

The EEG is used in the evaluation of brain disorders. Most commonly it is used to show the type and location of the activity in the brain during a seizure. It also is used to evaluate people who are having problems associated with brain function.

What does a neurologist look for in a seizure?

When examining the recordings, the neurologist looks for certain patterns that represent problems in a particular area of the brain. For example, certain types of seizures have specific brain wave patterns that the trained neurologist recognizes.

How to improve conduction of impulses to electrodes?

To improve the conduction of these impulses to the electrodes, a gel will be applied to them. Then a temporary glue will be used to attach them to the skin. No pain will be involved. The electrodes only gather the impulses given off by the brain and do not transmit any stimulus to the brain.

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