Preparing for Your Child's EEG

What Is an EEG (electroencephalogram)?

An EEG is a test that gives important information about the health and functioning of the brain. It can help diagnose, monitor or rule out conditions such as epilepsy, headaches, stroke, brain injury, brain tumors, sleep disorders, seizure disorders and cerebral palsy. Early accurate diagnosis with EEG can make more effective treatment possible.

Electrodes are small metal discs that pick up electrical impulses. During an EEG test, we use paste to secure them to key locations on the head. Wires lead from the electrodes to the EEG machine, which detects electrical impulses from the brain that create patterns. The test is displayed on a computer screen as well as recorded and stored in a computer file.

A physician will analyze the recorded electrical patterns and deliver a report to your child's doctor, who will go over the results with you at a follow-up appointment.

For the test to capture brain activity during drowsiness and sleep, which can aid in diagnosis, your child may need to be temporarily sleep deprived.

Preparing for an EEG Test

Plan to be with the technologist for one to two hours depending on the type of study, setup time and your child's medical needs.
Wash your child's hair thoroughly the morning of your appointment. The scalp must be clean and oil free, so don't use conditioners, hairspray or other hair products. Your child's hair should be completely dry as well.
Make sure your child eats a meal or snack an hour or two before the test. This will help stabilize blood sugar levels and facilitate sleep. Your child should avoid caffeine and sugar the night before the test.
Be prepared to answer questions about your child's medical history, current symptoms and medications. You may find it helpful to bring a list.
Give your child's medication as prescribed unless his or her physician has directed you otherwise.
It is extremely important that we get your child to sleep during the EEG. You know your child's sleep habits and schedule best, but here are some general guidelines:
- For children under 2 years old, wake them one to two hours earlier than usual.
- For children between 2 and 4, keep them up at least one to two hours past their bedtime and wake them at least one to two hours earlier than normal.
- For children between 5 and 12, keep them up until midnight and wake them at 6 a.m.
- For children 13 and older, keep them up until 2 a.m. and wake them at 6 a.m.
- Don't let your child sleep on the way to the appointment. You may want someone else in the car to keep him or her awake while you drive.
- If your child takes a regular nap, you may wish to request an appointment that coincides with nap time.
Although the test is painless, younger patients and patients with special needs may feel frightened. If your child has sensory or anxiety issues, or another condition that could make the process take longer, please request a two-hour time slot. Explaining the test ahead of time can reduce anxiety. Our technologists are trained to deal with anxious patients, but the following tips may help the test go more smoothly:
Dress your child in pajamas or other comfortable clothes, and bring bottles or pacifiers if used.
Bring favorite items that make your child feel safe and calm, such as toys, blankets, music on CD and movies on DVD. Books and games can help distract them during the test setup.

Preparing for an at-home electroencephalogram (EEG)

To better understand your child's epilepsy, our specialists might recommend an ambulatory EEG. This test records brain waves over 24 to 48 hours while your child is at home.

What to Expect During an EEG Test

Setup: An EEG technologist will measure your child's head and mark the electrode locations. This will take about 30 minutes. The tech will scrub your child's scalp to remove any oil or dead skin and then apply a paste that helps the electrodes stick to the scalp.

Hyperventilation: Your child may be asked to breathe rapidly and deeply for a few minutes. This may cause mild dizziness or tingling, but those sensations will pass quickly when he or she returns to normal breathing.

Photic stimulation: A flashing light may be placed in front of your child's closed eyes. This often causes visualization of various colors and patterns.

The technologist will monitor the computer for accuracy and make necessary adjustments. If your child is old enough, the technologist may ask him or her to follow instructions, such as opening and closing his or her eyes or looking at a flashing light.

The more relaxed your child is, the more accurate the results will be. If your child is old enough to understand, talk about the importance of staying quiet and still during the 20- to 45-minute test.

An EEG is painless, and your child can resume normal activities afterward.

Your child's hair will be a bit messy after the test. The tech will remove most of the paste, but you should plan to wash your child's hair again when you get home.

UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your child's doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your child's provider.

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Preparing for Your Child's EEG

What Is an EEG (electroencephalogram)?

Preparing for an EEG Test

Preparing for an at-home electroencephalogram (EEG)

What to Expect During an EEG Test

Related treatments

Related clinics (1)

Epilepsy Program

Epilepsy Program

Our therapy dogs spread joy and smiles at the bedside and throughout the hospital.

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