Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a diagnostic test that records the electrical activity of the brain, used to identify neurological changes, such as seizures or episodes of impaired consciousness, for example.
Normally, this is done by placing small metal plates on the scalp, called electrodes, which connect to a computer that records electric waves, a widely used test because it does not cause pain and can be performed by people of any age.
- The electroencephalogram can be performed both in a state of awakening.
- That is.
- With the person awake.
- And during sleep.
- Depending on when the seizures appear or the problem studied.
- It may also be necessary to perform maneuvers to activate brain activity such as breathing.
- Exercises or by placing a pulsed light in front of the patient.
This type of exam can be done by the SUS for free, provided you have a medical indication, but it is also done in private examination clinics, with a price that can range from 100 to 700 reais, depending on the type of encephalogram and where to take the test.
The electroencephalogram is usually requested by a neurologist and is usually used to identify or diagnose neurological changes, such as:
Anyone can perform an electroencephalogram, without absolute contraindication, however, it is recommended to avoid it in people with skin lesions on the scalp or pediculosis (lice).
The common electroencephalogram is performed by implanting and fixing electrodes, with a conductive gel, in areas of the scalp, so that brain activities are captured and recorded through a computer. During the exam, your doctor may indicate that maneuvers are underway to activate brain activity and increase the sensitivity of the test, such as hyperventilation, rapid breathing, or pulsed light installation in front of the patient.
In addition, the test can be done in several ways, such as
To identify and diagnose diseases, your doctor may use imaging tests, such as MRI or CT, that are more sensitive to detect changes such as nodules, tumors, or bleeding, such as to better understand the directions and what CT and MRI are like.
To prepare for the encephalogram and improve its effectiveness in detecting changes, avoid medications that affect brain function, such as sedatives, antiepileptics or antidepressants, 1 to 2 days before the test or as recommended by your doctor, do not consume caffeine-containing beverages, such as coffee, tea, or chocolate, 12 hours before the test, as well as avoid the use of oils , creams or sprays in the hair on the day of the exam.
In addition, if the electroencephalogram is performed during sleep, your doctor may ask the patient to sleep at least 4 to 5 hours the day before to facilitate deep sleep during the exam.