Electroencephalography in neonates (EEG)

Electroencephalography in neonates (EEG)

The examination involves registering the changes in the electrical potential on the surface of the scalp, coming from the activities of the neurons in the cerebral cortex. examination is performed with the patient in a horizontal position, wearing a special cap with registering electrodes.

A medical prescription with a clearly specified service to be provided is required for the examination.

Encephalography is used, amongst others:

• in the diagnostics of epilepsy;
• in determining the causes of sleep disturbances;
• in assessing the condition of brain, e.g. after poisoning with neurotoxic substances, after neurosurgical operations;
• after head injuries;
• in frequent headaches.

The service above concerns electroencephalography (EEG) in neonates (up to the age of 1 month).

The examination is performed only when the patient is asleep.

• The patient should be after a meal, whereas neonates may be fed while they are falling asleep in the EEG room.
• The hair should be freshly washed, without any gel, oil, decorations, etc.
• The patient should be healthy without any infections.
• On the examination day, prescription drugs should be taken as usual, while all other substances used out of the patient’s own free will should be discontinued 2-3 weeks before the examination. Moreover, the patient should know the names and doses of the medicines used.
• Before the sleep EEG, the patient should be woken up early enough (while remaining sleepy enough to fall asleep during the examination).
• The patient must not fall asleep on the way to the clinic.
• Children may bring their own toy, cushion, blanket, cuddly toy, or pyjamas.
• It is important to arrive 30 minutes before the examination hour. The patient should have enough time to calm down before the examination.

• It is required to have a medical prescription for the examination.
• In the case of resignation from or rescheduling of the EEG examination, we kindly ask our patients to cancel their booking not later than 24 hours before the planned examination. The earliest possible cancellation will make it possible for us to perform the examination for another patient, while keeping an adequate amount of time for such patient to prepare for the examination.
• It is very important for the patient to arrive on time.
• Information on the collection of the EEG results is given by the technician during the examination. The result of the examination is issued in a paper form, but at the patient’s request it may also be issued on a CD (at no additional charge).