EEG Diagnostic Evaluations
What is Ambulatory EEG Monitoring?
EEG is the abbreviation for electrocephalography. The electroencephalograph is a machine that translates the electrical activity of the brain into a series of wavy lines (a graph) on a computer called the EEG record.
An EEG measures the electrical activity of the brain, sometimes referred to as brain waves. This test is performed to see how the different parts of your brain function. It records a graph of your brain waves.
Analysis and examination of the data obtained allows your doctor to see one of the many ways your brain functions
EEG is not a treatment of any kind. No electricity is transferred to your brain. The EEG only detects activity in the brain.
Why perform the EEG in my home?
Conducting an EEG diagnostic in a patient's home provides a more reliable environment which may be conducive or causative to symptom inception and exacerbation.
Placement of the EEG wires for monitoring
Our experienced and trained technicians will come to your home and will comfortably apply EEG electrodes to your head with a special glue so that the electrodes will stay attached for several days. Once the electrodes are applied, the EEG machine and video are connected for a real time stream of your brain waves, which are then monitored remotely. Patients can go about their normal daily home activity, for the full 72 hours.
Will someone be monitoring the test?
Yes. Our trained technicians will monitor your EEG every other hour in real time. If necessary they will be able to alert either your physician or our neurophysiologist to remote in as well. For minor issues such as a lead coming off we will send a technician out to fix.
What to expect after the 72 hours of EEG Testing
At the completion of your study a technician will come to your home and remove the device. Please plan for about 30-45 minutes to have the electrodes removed and the device packed and stowed for safe removal. We then have one of our pruning technologists review and prune the study before sending it to either your ordering physician or our Neurophysiologist to generate a report.
What to Expect
Once your doctor orders an EEG, you will be contacted by our team to let you know we received the referral. After verification of benefits one of our technologists will contact you for scheduling. The application of the EEG headset usually requires 2.5 hours.
How big is the EEG machine?
Our EEG is a state of the art, mini EEG recorder which is about the size of a crackerjack box. This device is specifically designed for ambulatory, long term EEG recordings. You're free to walk around the house, watch tv, surf the internet, cook and sleep just as you would normally. Out of home excursions are discouraged but we can make exceptions for brief trips outside for extenuating circumstances.
How much does this cost?
Typically your insurance will cover the cost of an EEG. Depending on your insurance you may have a copay, coinsurance or deductible. We can go over any out of pocket costs or concerns prior to your study.