What to Expect - A Child's EEG
May 31, 2006 at 11:24 AM
by Ashleigh
When I was searching for information on what to expect when Seb went for his EEG I could find absolutely nothing written from the perspective of a parent. So, I thought I'd write something and google will pick it up and hopefully it will help someone in the same position as us.
So, here goes:
Pre-procedure
- I made sure Seb's hair and scalp were clean
- We made sure to pee before the procedure! Its about an hour long for a standard EEG.
- I took something to read to Seb, but really, don't bother - the light is dim and everything has to be quiet.
- Seb is really interested in science so before the procedure we looked up stuff about electricity and how it travels. Explain that the machine measures brain waves, or the electricity that your brain gives off when you think. Grab an encyclopedia and read about who invented the process etc. Or just read the wiki with your kid.
- The technician measured Seb's head and marked the points to which the electrodes would be attached with a red pen. There were 24 electrodes attached to Sebastian's head.
- After marking, each electrode point had a spot of adhesive applied (ours was blue).
- The electrodes were placed on the adhesive spots and then crimped into place while a device that looked suspiciously like a glue gun emitted cold air over the electrode. I'm a bit hazy about whether there was a second layer of adhesive applied between the blue one and the cold air - there may well have been!
- This bit made Seb rather uneasy. There were two technicians working on him and he got a bit claustrophobic. Plus they need to hold the kid's head rather firmly and press quite hard with the crimper.
- There are electrodes placed on your child's ears too - some kids have really sensitive ears so it might be an idea to tell them about this before hand!
- A sensor was placed on Seb's stomach.
- The technician dimmed the lights and started the video camera, then asked Seb to lie still and close his eyes. Periodically he was asked to open them and look at the ceiling and then close them again.
- About 15 minutes in the procedure the technician produced a light box and started a series of strobe lights flickering at different frequencies. Seb had to keep his eyes closed for this bit. I found it quite alarming and had to look away! This is where your child may have a seizure, if epilepsy is the reason that you're having the test done. Seb kindly obliged us all by having one.
- After the flashing lights Seb had to do a series of deep breathing exercises, as though he was breathing into a balloon. He was really sleepy after this bit.
- Then it was over.
This bit is yucky. They use an oil to remove the adhesive which really smells odd. There is quite a bit of scrubbing and pulling and Seb's head felt funny all day. Our instructions were to leave the oil to dry and then wash his hair last night. I've never seen a boy so happy to have a hairwash!
And that was it. Results in a week from the neurologist.
Comments
Wow, what a procedure! Seb is such a trooper to go through all this as well as he does. I am sorry to hear you'll have to wait another week for the results - take care. Call me anytime.
What a thing for a young child to endure. My friend Connie's little granddaughter (7mo) just had to have an EEG too. Seizures are about the scariest thing to have to witness I think. Praying for quick diagnosis and treatment.
You and Seb are in my thoughts. That sounds like quite a procedure for a child to cope with. {{{hugs}}}
I don't know you (stumbled upon your blog in another stitching blog somewhere, heh), but my thoughts are with you and your family.
May 31, 2006 3:27 PM