An EEG is a test that detects abnormalities in your brain waves, or in the electrical activity of your brain. During the procedure, electrodes consisting of small metal discs with thin wires are placed on your scalp. The electrodes detect and record tiny electrical charges that result from the activity of your brain cells. The charges are amplified and appear as a graph on a computer screen, or as a recording that may be printed out on paper. Our neurologist then interprets the reading.

The EEG is used to evaluate several types of brain disorders:

• Epilepsy – seizure activity will appear as rapid spiking waves on the EEG.
• Brain lesions from tumors or strokes – these result in unusually slow EEG waves.
• Alzheimer – slowing of alfa activity and increase in slow frequency activity.
• Psychoses, like Schizophrenia – impaired auditory processing and registered subtle sound changes at a significantly lower rate than their healthy peers
• Sleep Disorders – can also show “spikes” or “sharp waves”
  
  

An EEG may be done on an outpatient basis, or as part of the stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on one’s condition.