Electroencephalogram (video)

Your child is scheduled for a video electroencephalogram.

Date: _______________________________________

Time: _______________________________________

Check-in time: _______________________________________

___ Children's - Minneapolis
Special Diagnostics – 1st floor
2525 Chicago Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota
612-813-6966

___ Children's - St. Paul
3rd Floor Garden View Building
347 North Smith Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota
Scheduling: 651-220-6705
Staff questions: 651-220-6534

Please bring your current insurance card(s) with you. If you have questions about your insurance coverage for these services, or any special referral requirements, please contact your insurance company directly. They are best able to advise you about the specifics of your plan.

What is a video electroencephalogram?

A video electroencephalogram (video EEG) is a painless, safe way to record the electrical activity in the brain and the child's physical activity at the same time. It will not give shocks or measure intelligence.

Can I be with my child during the test?

For an outpatient procedure, parents need to stay with their child during the test. However, we discourage bringing siblings into the room. The doctor's orders will determine the length of the test.

How should I prepare my child?

All medicines should be taken as usual unless otherwise directed by the doctor. Hair should be clean, dry, and free of any gels, sprays, or oils.

It is important that your child feel relaxed and comfortable so the test results are accurate. Read and discuss this information with your child. Explain how the test is done, especially what your child will see, hear, and feel. Tell your child that it does not hurt. Answer as many questions as you can.

Because activity will be limited during the test, please bring homework, coloring books, crayons, games, or any favorite toys that will not involve movement. A DVD player is available. You may want to help your child practice holding still.

For younger children it may be helpful to bring a favorite item such as a blanket, pacifier, or toy that will make them feel more comfortable. Please do not bring a pillow.

How is the test done?

A technologist will first prepare your child's head for the electrodes. The technologist will then attach electrodes (small disks) to each area with special glue and dry them with an air dryer.

Wires attached to the electrodes are connected to an audio-video EEG machine. Part of the screen displays the brain waves, and the other part displays the video of the patient. Your child will be confined to an area where a camera monitors his or her activity. Activity will be very limited during the test.

What can I expect after the test?

After the test, the technologist will remove the electrodes with acetone and rub with cotton to help remove the glue from the hair. While the electrodes are being removed, your child may feel some pulling on the hair. If any glue remains, it is not harmful and will come off over time.

A pediatric neurologist (a doctor who specializes in the brain) will review the recording and send a report to your child's doctor. Your doctor will call you with the results within 2 or 3 weeks. If you have not heard the results after 3 weeks, please call your doctor's office.

Special instructions

________________________________________________________

Questions?

This sheet is not specific to your child but provides general information. For questions about why your child is being tested, please ask your child's doctor. If you have questions about the test or how to prepare your child, please call the number at the site checked at the beginning of this sheet.

This page is not specific to your child, but provides general information on the topic above. If you have any questions, please call your clinic. For more reading material about this and other health topics, please call or visit Children's Minnesota Family Resource Center library, or visit www.childrensmn.org/educationmaterials.