EEG - Electroencephalography in wakefulness for children

What does the examination consist of?

EEG is a diagnostic method for the examination of the bioelectrical activity of the brain. It involves recording changes in the electrical potential on the surface of the scalp, derived from the activity of neurons of the cerebral cortex.

Course of examination

The awake EEG takes place in the supine position and lasts about 20 minutes. A special cap with electrodes is placed on the patient's head. During the examination, light stimulation or respiratory stimulation can be performed. The child should then follow the instructions of the person conducting the examination.

The examination is non-invasive, painless and completely safe.

Indications

EEG examination in children is performed, among others:

• in the diagnosis of epilepsy,
• in cases of delayed psychomotor development,
• in case of problems with concentration, aggression,
• in the diagnosis of ADHD,
• in case of frequent headaches,
• in cases of paroxysmal movement disorders,
• for determining the causes of sleep disorders,
• after head injuries,
• after neurosurgical operations.

• At the time of examination, the child should be well-rested, after a lightly digested meal. 
• The child's hair should be washed. No preparations (e.g., oils, detangling sprays) should be applied to the scalp. Hair ornaments should be removed before examination.
• On the day of the examination, the child should be healthy, with no infections. 
• If the child admits medications prescribed by the doctor, they should be administered as usual on the day of the examination. All other preparations (such as vitamins) should be discontinued 2-3 weeks before the examination. The parent should know the names and dosages of the medications the child is taking. In the case of antibiotic therapy, the examination is performed at the earliest 10 days after the end of treatment.
• On the day of the examination, the child should not eat chocolate or drink carbonated beverages.

• A referral for the examination is not required.
• The examination in wakefulness is performed only on children over the age of 4 who are able to lie still for 20 minutes and follow the instructions of the person performing the examination.
• The above service applies to awake EEG examination. If you want to arrange for your child to have an examination in sleep, please choose the EEG - Electroencephalography during sleep service.
• If your child is to have an examination of EEG in both wakefulness and sleep, book an appointment on two different days, as different preparation applies.
• In case of cancellation or rescheduling of the examination, please cancel your reservation no later than 24 hours before the scheduled examination. Early cancellation of the examination will allow another patient to be enrolled and allow adequate time for proper preparation.
• It is very important to be on time for the examination.
• Waiting time for the result is from 2 to 7 working days (depending on the facility and the availability of the doctor who performs the description).
• Information about receiving the EEG result is provided by the technician during the examination. The examination result is issued in paper form; at the patient's request, it is possible to issue the result on CD (at no extra charge).