Preparing for EEG Test and Choosing your EEG Clinic

Eira at Metro Davao Medical and Research Center - EEG Clinic | November 10, 2017

After consulting with the neurologist, the next step is an EEG test before starting any medications.

That was the doctor's orders in Eira's case. For others, neuroimaging studies (CT or MR scan) may be necessary.

What is EEG?

An EEG tracks and records brain wave patterns. Small flat metal discs called electrodes are attached to the scalp with wires. The electrodes analyze the electrical impulses in the brain and send signals to a computer that records the results¹.

Preparing for an EEG test requires a little bit of conscious effort. Karla Blocka¹ suggests the following steps when preparing for an EEG test:

• The night before your scheduled EEG test, wash your hair. Do not apply any hair products.
• If you are taking any medications, consult with your doctor if you should skip your medications before and during your EEG test. It is also recommended for you to submit the list of your medications to the technician performing the test.
• You should avoid food and drink with caffeine. It is recommended abstain from caffeine for at least eight hours before the procedure.
• Usually, you have to sleep during the procedure and your doctor may advise you to deprive your sleep like what Eira’s neurologist recommended. For children (and it may also apply to adults), a mild sedative is given to help relax and sleep before the procedure starts.

Choosing EEG Clinic

If you are in Davao City and needs an EEG test, we recommend you schedule your EEG at the Metro Davao Medical and Research Center (MDMRC).

This was recommended to us by our neurologist for two reasons:

1. It’s the cheaper option. It only costs approximately Php3, 250.00. But with Eira’s PWD (persons-with-disability) ID, we only paid a little over Php2, 800.00.
2. The EEG results come with a detailed report-type copy of the reading. They print every page of the recording and this is what our neurologist was after to have a comparative reading with the next EEG tests scheduled yearly for us. We were told in other hospitals, we will only get the summary report of the reading, not the the print copy of the entire recording.

The service at Metro Davao Medical and Research Center’s EEG clinic was commendable with helpful and accommodating staff. They helped us through the entire process of the procedure for a convenient experience.

_________________

References:

6Blocka, Karla. 2017. “EEG (Electroencephalogram).” Medically Reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, PhD, RN, CRNA on September 14, 2017. Retrieved on November 16, 2017 from  https://www.healthline.com/health/eeg#overview1

______________

Recommended Books:

Seizures and Epilepsy in Childhood: A Guide

Description: An award-winning book used as the standard resource for parents in need of comprehensive medical information about their child with epilepsy.

Buy This Book

Epilepsy in Children: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Description: From a leading neurologist, experienced nurse practitioner, and registered dietician comes the complete guide to help your child achieve and maintain a high quality of life.

Buy This Book

Treating Epilepsy Naturally: A Guide to Alternative and Adjunct Therapies

Description: Drugs commonly used to treat epilepsy have some extremely harmful side effects. This book is an empathetic, practical, empowering look at treatment options, lifestyle choices, and ways of living well.

Buy This Book

Children with Seizures: A Guide for Parents, Teachers, and Other Professionals

Description: This concise, accessible handbook for families, friends and carers of children with seizures provides all the information they need to approach seizures from a position of strength.

Buy This Book