How to Explain an EEG Procedure to a Patient
When explaining an electroencephalogram (EEG) procedure to patients, focus on providing clear, simple information about what they will experience, using language appropriate to their developmental level and addressing common concerns about the procedure.
Basic Explanation of EEG
- An EEG is a non-invasive test that records the brain's electrical activity using small electrodes placed on the scalp 1
- Explain that the test helps doctors evaluate brain function and is especially useful for diagnosing conditions like seizures, but doesn't involve any radiation or painful procedures 2
- Emphasize that the procedure is safe and has been used for nearly a century to help diagnose various brain conditions 1
Age-Appropriate Communication
- For pre-school children: Focus on what they will feel and do rather than explaining the procedure itself. Use simple language like "We're going to take special pictures of your brain" and emphasize that their caregiver will stay with them 3
- For school-age children: Provide more complete information using analogies from their world. Explain the procedure as "like taking a photograph of your brain's activity" and that they need to stay still to get clear pictures 3
- For adolescents and adults: Provide more detailed physiological explanations about how the test records electrical signals from brain cells 3, 2
What to Expect During the Procedure
- Describe the electrode placement: Small discs (electrodes) will be attached to the scalp using a special gel or paste that can be easily washed out afterward 2
- Explain the duration: Standard diagnostic EEG typically lasts 20-30 minutes, though some monitoring may be longer 4, 3
- Describe the environment: The patient will lie on a bed or recline in a chair in a quiet room 2
- Explain what they'll need to do: Remain still with eyes open or closed as instructed, and possibly perform simple tasks like deep breathing (hyperventilation) or looking at flashing lights 4, 5
Addressing Common Concerns
- Reassure patients that the procedure is painless - the electrodes only record activity and don't send any electricity into the brain 2
- Explain that the gel or paste used for electrode placement can feel cool or sticky but isn't harmful and washes out easily 2
- Address appearance concerns by explaining that the electrodes will be removed after the test 2
Special Considerations
- For patients with suspected seizures: Explain that the test may help determine if they're having seizures and what type they might be, which helps guide treatment 6, 5
- For ICU patients: Explain that continuous monitoring may be needed to detect seizures that aren't visible 3
- For patients with communication difficulties: Use visual aids, demonstrations, or models when explaining the procedure 3
After the Procedure
- Explain that they may need to wash their hair after the test to remove the electrode paste 2
- Inform them about when and how they'll receive results - typically the recording needs to be analyzed by a specialist 4
- Explain that a normal EEG doesn't necessarily rule out conditions like epilepsy, as abnormalities may not be present during the recording period 6