Ambulatory EEG testing is a noninvasive diagnostic procedure that continuously records the electrical activity of the brain over an extended period, usually ranging from 24 to 72 hours, while the patient goes about their normal daily routine. Unlike a standard in-office EEG, which captures brain activity for a short time in a controlled setting, an ambulatory EEG allows physicians to observe brain function during real-life situations such as sleeping, working, and performing routine activities. This extended monitoring significantly increases the likelihood of capturing abnormal brain activity that may not appear during a brief test.
During the procedure, small electrodes are gently placed on the scalp and connected to a compact, portable recording device that the patient wears comfortably. Patients are encouraged to maintain their usual activities and keep a diary of symptoms, sleep patterns, and events that occur during the monitoring period. This information helps the neurologist correlate recorded brain activity with reported symptoms, improving diagnostic accuracy.
Ambulatory EEG testing is commonly used to help diagnose seizure disorders and epilepsy, especially in patients who experience infrequent or unexplained episodes. It is also valuable for evaluating unexplained symptoms such as fainting spells, episodes of staring, confusion, or sudden changes in awareness. Additionally, this test can assist in identifying sleep-related neurological conditions and detecting changes in brain function that may affect behavior, cognition, or memory.
By providing a more comprehensive view of brain activity over time, ambulatory EEG testing offers greater diagnostic insight than a routine EEG. The detailed information obtained allows physicians to make more accurate diagnoses and develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific condition. Ultimately, ambulatory EEG testing plays a crucial role in guiding effective care and improving outcomes for individuals with complex or hard-to-diagnose neurological symptoms.
EEG Your doctor scheduled you for an EEG:
The EEG (Electroencephalogram):
Is a PAINLESS test that will take approximately 45 minutes to complete. The test is simply recording the brainwave activity of your brain. For all testing, please arrive at your appointment with clean and dry hair.
- You may not have extensions, braids, oils, lotions, conditioners, hair spray, gel, or color rinses in your hair for the test.
- Please DO NOT HAVE COFFEE, CAFFEINATED DRINKS, OR CHOCOLATE FOR 4 HOURS PRIOR to the exam. (If you fail to comply, your appointment will need to be rescheduled. We do ask that you continue taking your regular medications and eating your meals as usual)
- We will be placing a cap and gel on your head/hair.
- There are no needles involved. You may feel some sharp scratching on the scalp during the gel application process
24/48/72-hour Ambulatory EEG:
If your doctor has ordered an ambulatory EEG, you will come to the office to have the equipment set up. You will then wear the device for the specified amount of time
- You will NOT be able to shower or bathe for the entire duration of the test. You will need to STAY HOME during this time.
- Please wear clothing that buttons up the front (no T-shirts, pullovers, or sweaters).
- You will return to the office to have the equipment removed. Do NOT remove the equipment at home unless you are specifically instructed to do so.
- For most tests, you will be on camera at home
Sleep Deprived EEG:
If your DR has specified a Sleep Deprived EEG, you will need to be awake from midnight until the time of your test. If the DR specified this, and you FAIL to stay awake the night before your exam, your appointment will be rescheduled.