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Video EEG monitoring

video EEG · video EEG monitoring · overnight EEG · sleep EEG · long-term EEG

Brain activity is recorded through electrodes on your head for several hours or all night. Video is recorded at the same time, to compare the EEG with what is happening.

For seizures, fainting, or strange episodes during sleep, to find out what they are and choose treatment.

⏱ Duration: from a few hours to 24 hours or longer, as your doctor decides; the report usually takes a few days

Be sure to tell your doctor

What your seizures look like and how often they happen
What medicines you take. Do not stop them on your own
If you have a video of a seizure on your phone, show it
How much you usually sleep

How to prepare

Sleep. Sometimes you are asked to sleep less the night before, so it is easier to fall asleep during the recording. Do this only if your doctor says so.
Hair. Wash your hair the day before, with no oil, hairspray, or gel. Remove braids and hair extensions.
Medicines. Take them as usual. Do not stop them on your own. If needed, your doctor will decide.
Things. Comfortable clothes that button at the front. You will not be able to pull anything over your head.

What to bring

Your referral and past EEGs
A list of your medicines and the medicines themselves
Videos of seizures, if you have them
Food, water, a charger, and a book
Someone with you, if the clinic asks

How it goes

Paste is put on your head and electrodes are placed, with a cap or bandage on top
The camera and recording are turned on
You go about as usual: read, eat, and sleep
Sometimes you are asked to breathe fast or look at a flashing light
If a seizure starts, press the button or tell the person with you
At the end, the electrodes are removed and the paste is washed off

What you'll feel

It does not hurt. The electrodes send nothing into your head
The cap may make it hard to sleep at first
Your hair will be a bit sticky from the paste afterward

Afterwards

Wash your hair at home
You can go back to normal life right away, unless your doctor says otherwise
The report usually takes a few days

Contact a doctor straight away if

A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, or seizures one after another: call emergency services

Common questions

Why does it need a night?

Many EEG changes show only during sleep. The longer the recording, the better the chance of catching a seizure.

Can I get up to use the toilet?

Usually yes. The staff will show you how not to damage the wires.