Electroencephalography

INTRODUCTION

Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that detects electrical activity in your brain using small metal discs attached to your scalp. Your brain cells communicate via electrical impulses and are active all the time   when you are asleep.

"An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that measures electrical activity in the brain using small, metal discs (electrodes) attached to the scalp."

DEFINITION

Electroencephalography is the recording of an electrical activity by using multiple electrodes(sensors) attached on the scalp of patient and wire connected to the computer.

"Electroencephalography (EEG) is a method to record an electrogram of the spontaneous electrical activity of the brain"

PURPOSES

• To rule out various disease conditions of brain.
• To monitor brain activity during surgery. 

INDICATIONS

• Brain tumors
• Seizure
• Hematoma
• Mental disorder
• Brain infection
• Cerebral infarction
• Intracranial hemorrhage

Nursing Consideration's 

prior procedure 

• Explain the procedure to the patient and his relatives.
• Instruct to wash hairs the night before the EEG test, and do not apply any products (like sprays or gels) over hairs on the day of the test.
• Avoid eating or drinking anything containing caffeine for at least 8 hours before the test.
• Avoid  alcohol 24 hour's prior to ECG.
• For adults, the recommendation is to sleep not more than 4-5 hours the night prior to the study.

During Procedure

• Provide safety and comfort to the patient.
• Follow instructions given by doctor.

Aftercare and Documentation

• Record the date, time and patient's response in nurse's notes.
• Observe for any complication.
• Advise plenty of fluids to rehydrate the patient.

Complications' 

• Cardiac  Arrhythmias'  
• Anaphylactic shock 
• Renal failure 
   

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