When is EEG Performed?
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Epilepsy Diagnosis
Eplilepsy one of the major issues faced by patients can be detected with the help of EEG tests. The test reports detect any abnormal electrical activity during seizures. People showing signs of altered seizures are known to be suffering from epilepsy.
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Sleep Disorders
Patients who are suffering from sleep disorders like sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and parasomnias are prescribed to undergo EEG tests. During the process, the neurologist uses some parameters to identify if the patient is experiencing any disturbances in sleep patterns.
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Altered Mental Status
EEG Test is also performed to detect if the patient is suffering from any confusion or altered mental status. The test results can also determine if the brain is performing normally.
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Monitoring Brain Function during Surgery
EEG is one of the major tests that is conducted on a patient who is undergoing brain surgery. The doctor monitors the brain wave function to ensure that the critical parts of the brain are not affected and damaged during the process.
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Evaluating Brain Injuries
Due to its advanced nature, an EEG test is helpful to determine if the patient is suffering from any traumatic brain injury, a brain disorder, or a stroke. The test results assess brain function and also highlight the areas that are facing abnormal electrical activity.
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Evaluating Neurological Disorders
EEG is one of the leading tests that is used to evaluate and monitor different neurological disorders. Some of the major disorders that this test is used to detect are dementia, movement disorders, and encephalopathies.
EEG is a safe and non-invasive procedure that is safe for the patient as it does not cause any discomfort. However, the accuracy of this test is very high which helps to detect any abnormalities in the brain. Here is all you
How Does EEG (EEG Full Form) Work?
can know about the working principle of the EEG test:
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The EEG procedure is safe and pain-free and does not require any instruments
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In this test, the patient’s scalp is connected with electrodes which collect electrical activity from the brain cells. These brain cells are known as neurons and the waves are displayed on a computer monitor as a straight line
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The technician and the neurologist record the brain activity post which the electrodes are removed from the brain
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The resultant brain wave sequence is then studied and monitored by the doctor to get an insight into the actual abnormality of the brain.
What Does EEG Test Results Suggest?
The EEG test results are of two types namely normal and abnormal. Both the results have different meanings and depict different results. Know about the EEG test results in the section below.
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Abnormal EEG
The abnormal EEG test result can suggest that the patient is suffering from any of the disorders namely, Migraines, Sleep disorder, Head injury, Alcohol or drug abuse, Hemorrhage, Epilepsy or Blockage in blood flow.
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Normal EEG
A normal EEG test result suggests that the brain of the patient is functioning properly.
Types of EEG Tests
EEG Test is prescribed by doctors for patients who are suffering from any kind of brain disease. This is one of the most accurate mechanisms that detect any issue faced by the brain system. EEG test is mostly conducted by a professional or neurologist. Know more about the different types of EEG tests in the section below.
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Routine EEG
Routine EEG is the most common type of test and is done occasionally to check brain functioning. In this test, two electrodes are placed on the scalp to record the brain's electrical activity at rest. The duration of a normal routine EEG is usually 30 to 60 minutes. The results evaluate general brain function and detect abnormalities to diagnose any serious brain issue.
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Sleep EEG
The sleep EEG is most considered to detect if the patient is suffering from any abnormality during sleep. It is performed by putting the patient to sleep. The test detects brain activity and also considers parameters like eye movements, muscle tone, heart rate, and breathing patterns. This is a great way to detect if the patient is suffering from sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and parasomnias.
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Ambulatory EEG
On contrary to other EEG tests, ambulatory EEG is the best way to determine the dysfunction suffered by the patient. This test can deduct those brain waves that cannot be detected during normal EEG. In this test, the patient has to wear a portable EEG device. The device records the brain activity while doing daily activities and sleep.
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Video EEG Monitoring
The video EEG is an advanced method for deducing the epilepsy pattern. The test offers the combined results of simultaneous video monitoring of a patient's behaviour and physical movements. The test result deduces the EEG patterns to detect any abnormal pattern.
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