• Dickinson Neurodiagnostics

    The Dickinson Neurodiagnostics department and its staff of nationally registered EEG Technicians, provides a variety of diagnostic tests, called electroencephalograms (EEG), designed to determine the ability of the brain to communicate with the rest of your body. 

    What is an EEG?

    EEG is short for Electroencephalogram.  An EEG is a test commonly preformed when you are suspected to be experiencing epilepsy or seizures.

    What does an EEG do?

    An EEG records brainwave activity from tiny electrical signals generated by your brain.  The EEG machine then amplifies the signals recorded from your brain to a permanent record on a computer.  A variety of diagnoses can be made through the interpretation of these brain wave records.

    What happens during the EEG?

    An EEG will last for about one to two hours.  The EEG is painless with a minimal amount of discomfort.  You will be asked to sit or lie down for the test.  Electrodes will be put in place by the technologist.  The recording will generally last from 20 minutes to just over an hour unless otherwise specified by your physician.  During the test, the technologist will flash a strobe light in your eyes, ask questions to test memory and may have you hyperventilate for a few minutes.  In most instances, you may be able to sleep for part of the test. 

    Preparations for an EEG

    1. Arrive for the test with clean, dry hair. Do Not Use:  Gel, Mouse, Conditioner or Hairspray
    2. Do not drink caffeine 4 hours before the test.
    3. Eat normal meals before the test.
    4. Take medications as prescribed by your doctor.

      *If the test is ordered as a sleep deprived EEG, you should only sleep for three hours between the hours of 10 pm & 2 am the night before the test.  You should not drive yourself to the test, but should make arrangements for someone else to transport you back and forth.

      **If the EEG is ordered as a conscious sedation, a nurse from the hospital’s Ambulatory Care Unit will contact you with special instructions.

      If you have questions or concerns about your EEG, please feel free to contact the Neurodiagnostics Department of Dickinson County Healthcare System at (906) 776-5912.