Our services
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
An EEG (Electroencephalogram) is a medical test that records the electrical activity of the brain, providing valuable insights into brain function and diagnosing various neurological conditions.
An EEG is only a test, not a form of treatment. There will be no after effects. Every brain produces a special type of electrical activity. An EEG is a recording of this activity. During the test, small disk electrodes are placed on the head using a conductive paste. The electrodes are connected to machine which makes the recording. For your comfort you will sit in a chair or lay on a couch. Hair should be clean and dry and free from all styling product. Please eat and drink normally before the test. There is no need to stop taking any medicines unless you have been told to do so by your doctor. Please bring a list of any medicines you take with you to your appointment. We will not be able to tell you the results of your EEG. The Consultant Clinical Neurophysiologist will need to interpret the EEG recording and the results sent to your referring clinician
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
There are many reasons why people are referred for this test, most commonly it is used in the investigation of people who have had or are currently experiencing seizures or blackouts.
EEGs are not painful or uncomfortable. The electrodes are attached using a stiff conductive skin safe paste which is water soluble and is removed before you leave after the investigation. If you have skin sensitivities please inform us before your investigation.
- No special preparation is needed before an EEG
- Please try to attend with clean hair, free from styling products
- Medications to be taken as normal before an EEG
- You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you would like to
- EEG will be performed by a Clinical Neurophysiologist who will ask routine questions regarding your medical history, current medications, and current symptoms
- You will be asked to sit on a couch, 25 electrodes will then be placed at specific points of your scalp using a cotton bud to clean the scalp, then a conductive paste to attach each electrode separately
- 2 electrodes will be placed on your shoulders to record heart activity (ECG)
- Once all wires are attached the test will take approximately 20 minutes during which you will be asked to sit quietly
- You will be asked to open and close your eyes briefly every few minutes
- Part way through recording you may be asked to perform a period of deep breathing, and to undertake a period of looking at flashing lights
- If you fall asleep during EEG the recording may be prolonged to 30 minutes
- At the end of the EEG all of the electrodes will be removed and your head cleaned using damp gauze
- Your head will feel sticky, but this will come out when you wash your hair
- There are no side effects to having an EEG and you can go home or carry on with your daily routine as usual
When will I receive the results?
EEGs take up to one hour for routine recordings.
Payment for your investigation is taken at the time of consultation. We accept Apple pay, contactless, and card payments from all major providers. To find out abut other payment options, including Clearpay, please email us at enquiries@southcoastneuroscience.com
Southcoast Neuroscience will require a referral from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional overseeing your care. They will need to send a referral via our website “referral page” or via email to enquiries@
Take all medication as normal or unless specifically asked prior to study.