Electroencephalogram

A non-invasive medical test that monitors the electrical activity of the brain is an electroencephalogram (EEG). It is frequently used to assess brain function and diagnose various neurological illnesses. The electrical impulses of the brain are recorded by electrodes implanted on the scalp during the examination.

Small metal electrodes are connected to the scalp with conductive gel during an EEG. These sensors detect and record electrical signals generated by neurons in the brain. The signals are then amplified and presented as wave patterns on a computer screen or paper.

This is how an EEG works:

• Preparation: The patient is asked to lie down or sit comfortably. The technician or doctor will clean the patient’s scalp and use conductive gel or paste to affix small metal electrodes to specified areas on the scalp.
• Recording: An EEG machine or an amplification system is attached to the electrodes. The electrical signals picked up by the electrodes are recorded and amplified by the machine. The electrical activity of the brain generates these messages via neuron firing.

The recorded brain wave patterns reveal information about the electrical activity of the brain and can assist healthcare practitioners in identifying anomalies or patterns associated with various brain states. EEGs are very helpful in identifying and monitoring illnesses like epilepsy, sleep disorders, brain traumas, brain tumours, and certain neurological disorders.

The test is painless and takes between 20 and 60 minutes to complete. It’s usually done in a clinical setting by a qualified EEG technologist or neurologist, who interprets the results to help with diagnosis and therapy planning. However, it’s crucial to remember that an EEG alone may not always be enough to provide a definitive diagnosis, and further tests and assessments may be required to supplement the findings.