An EEG records brain waves detected by electrodes placed on the scalp. This is the most common diagnostic test for epilepsy and can detect abnormalities in the brain's electrical activity. People with epilepsy frequently have changes in their normal pattern of brain waves, even when they are not experiencing a seizure. While this type of test can be very useful in diagnosing epilepsy, it is not foolproof. Some people continue to show normal brain wave patterns even after they have experienced a seizure. In other cases, the unusual brain waves are generated deep in the brain where the EEG is unable to detect them. Many people who do not have epilepsy also show some unusual brain activity on an EEG. Whenever possible, an EEG should be performed within 24 hours of a patient's first seizure. Ideally, EEGs should be performed while the patient is sleeping as well as when he or she is awake, because brain activity during sleep is often quite different than at other times.
Video monitoring is often used in conjunction with EEG to determine the nature of a person's seizures. It also can be used in some cases to rule out other disorders such as cardiac arrythmia or narcolepsy that may look like epilepsy.


EEG's at Penn State Hershey:
Please arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment. Please come with clean hair: NO…Hairspray, Gel or Mousse. Please be sure to have eaten within 2 hours prior to your study.

Your procedure should last approximately 1 hour. During your study, you will be asked to perform some deep breathing exercises, look at some flashing lights and answer some questions.

ALL appointments are located in the Neurophysiology Lab: 30 Hope Drive, Bldg B, Suite 1400 but accessed through Suite 1300 - Neurology. The Neurophysiology Lab Phone # is: 531-8697.