EEG (Electroencephalography)

Overview

Please confirm with the clinic when you book whether this test is currently available and where it will be done.

Why this test may be advised

• Suspected seizures, fits or unexplained blackouts
• To help work out the type of epilepsy
• Episodes of confusion or altered awareness
• To review brain activity during epilepsy treatment, when the doctor advises it

Having one or more of these does not by itself mean you have a particular condition. A doctor's assessment is needed to find the cause.

What the test involves

1. 1 Small electrodes are attached to the scalp using a paste or a cap.
2. 2 You sit or lie comfortably and relax, with your eyes closed for much of the recording.
3. 3 You may be asked to breathe deeply or look at a flashing light, as these can bring out certain brain patterns.
4. 4 The electrodes are removed afterwards, and the paste can be washed out of the hair.

Who may need this test

• People advised by a doctor to have an EEG for seizures, blackouts or episodes of altered awareness
• People with epilepsy whose doctor wants to review their brain activity

How to prepare

It helps to bring:

• Ask the clinic when you book whether there are any specific instructions for this test
• Continue your usual medicines unless the doctor tells you otherwise
• Previous EEG reports, if you have had this test before
• Previous medical reports, prescriptions and hospital discharge summaries
• MRI or CT scan films and reports, if you have them
• A list of all the medicines you take, with their doses
• A short note of your symptoms: when they started, how often they happen and what makes them better or worse

What happens next

• The recording is reviewed and a report is prepared.
• The doctor explains the results together with your symptoms and examination.
• A normal EEG does not always rule out epilepsy, so further tests may sometimes be advised.

Recommendations depend on the clinician's assessment of your individual situation. This website cannot diagnose your condition or guarantee a particular result.

Frequently asked questions

Clinic locations

Please confirm the OPD day, timings and availability of this service when you book.

• Patna – Main Branch

  NSMCH, Bihta, Patna, Bihar – 800014

  Mon – Fri: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

  Directions to Patna – Main Branch (opens Google Maps)

• Ara – Branch Clinic

  Mahavir Tola, Near LIC Office, Ara – 802301

  Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

  Directions to Ara – Branch Clinic (opens Google Maps)

• Siwan – Branch Clinic

  Near Dr. Shahnwaz Alam, Bindusar Road, Siwan – 841226

  Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

  Directions to Siwan – Branch Clinic (opens Google Maps)