Electroencephalography (EEG), Ambulatory EEG and Evoked Potentials (EP) Tests

Read this booklet to learn:• what EEG, ambulatory EEG and EP tests are• how to prepare• what to expect• who to call if you have any questions

You have been scheduled for:� an EEG� an ambulatory EEG� an EP

Date:

Time:

Come to:

Toronto Western Hospital399 Bathurst Street, Toronto M5T 2S8Neurophysiology LabFell Pavilion – 4th floor (Room 435)

Information for patients and families

Please visit the UHN Patient Education website for more health information: www.uhnpatienteducation.ca© 2016 University Health Network. All rights reserved. This information is to be used for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for non-commercial personal use only.

Author: Nat Shampur, Kathy Davison, Nancy Robertson, Ann Richards and Freddy PaizRevised: 01/2016Form: D-5502

UHN

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What are EEG, ambulatory EEG and EP tests?An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that records your brainwaves. You won't feel any pain during the test. Ambulatory EEGs keep monitoring your brain waves while you are at home and doing your day-to-day activities outside of the hospital.

An evoked potentials (EP) test looks at how your brain responds when your eyes, ears, arms and legs are stimulated. You may feel a soft tingling feeling during this test. Most patients don’t find this painful.

Both tests are safe. There are no risks or side effects from these tests.

How do I prepare for these tests?

For the EEG or ambulatory EEG test: ; Take your medicines and eat how you would normally before and after the tests. For special EEG tests, you may get different instructions. Please follow them.; Wash and dry your hair before you come for your test.

• Don’t use conditioner, sprays, oils or gels in your hair. • If you have braids or extensions, please tell us. You may have

to remove them.

For the ambulatory EEG test: ; Bring someone with you for this test if you need help walking or moving, or if you need help understanding the instructions.; Bring a hat, baseball cap or scarf if you would like to cover the discs when you leave the hospital.

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For the EP test: ; Don’t use oil, Vaseline® or body lotions on your hands and legs before your test.; Wear loose and comfortable clothes. For the EP test you can bring shorts and a t-shirt, or we can give you a hospital gown to wear.; Bring your health card (OHIP card) to your appointment. If you don't have an OHIP card, please bring another form of government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's licence, passport, or other provincial health card).

If you don’t bring your OHIP card or photo ID, we may have to reschedule your appointment.

; Come to the Neurophysiology Lab on time.

What can I expect during the EEG test?1. You will be asked to lie down, relax and stay still for the test. The

technologist will explain the test and answer any questions you have.

2. We clean your scalp with a special cleaner.

3. We put about 25 small gold discs (electrodes) on your scalp with a cream.

4. The technologist records your brainwaves for about 30 to 40 minutes while you are lying down.

5. When the test is over, we remove most of the cream with warm water. You may have to wash your hair with shampoo when you get home to remove any that is left.

You are with the technologist for about 1 hour.

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What can I expect during the ambulatory EEG set up?1. The technologist will explain the test to you.

2. We clean your scalp with a special cleaner.

3. We put about 25 small gold discs on to your scalp with a special glue and dry them with an air blower.

4. We ask you to lie down, relax and stay still for the test.

5. When the gluing is done, we do a baseline recording of the EEG signals and make sure the device is working properly.

You will be with the technologist for about 2.5 hours.

What happens after the ambulatory EEG set up?1. We will give you an instruction sheet that explains what to do

after you leave the Lab.

2. You will go home with a small recording device in an over-the-shoulder pouch and discs attached to your scalp.

3. You do your day-to-day activities, with some exceptions. The technologist will explain this to you.

4. You will return to the Lab after your required hours of recording.

5. We will remove the glue with a special cleaner, disconnect the discs from your scalp and explain how to take care at home.

What can I expect during the EP test?

1. Your technologist will talk to you about the tests and give you instructions, depending on the tests you are having.

2. We clean your scalp and areas of your back with a special cleaner.

3. We put up to 8 small gold discs (electrodes ) on your scalp and spine to record how you respond when we stimulate different parts of your body:

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Eyes (also called VEP test) You sit in a chair. You must pay attention as you watch a black and white checkered pattern on a screen. This test takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

Ears (also called AEP test) You lie down and rest. We give you headphones to wear, and you listen to clicking sounds. This test takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Arms and Legs (also called SEP tests) You lie down for both tests. For the arm SEP, the technologist stimulates your wrists with mild electrical impulses for about 30 to 45 minutes. For the leg SEP, your technologist stimulates your ankles for about the same amount of time.

4. When the test is over, we remove most of the cream with warm water. You may have to wash your hair with shampoo when you get home to remove any that’s left.

What about my test results?Our neurologists will look at your EEG and EP results and send them to the doctor that referred you for these tests. This usually takes about 4 weeks.

Who do I call if I have any questions?

If you have any questions please call your doctor or the Neurophysiology Lab at:

Phone: 416 603 5800 extension 2060

Fax: 416 603 7096

Please tell us at least 48 hours before your appointment if you need to cancel.