Children’s electroencephalogram . It is a diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity of the child’s brain . An EEG can help doctors diagnose brain diseases, such as seizures and brain tumors.
Summary
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- 1 Way to perform an Electroencephalogram
- 2 Previous Preparation of the Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- 3 Purpose of an Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- 4 Reasons for taking the exam
- 5 What it feels like during the exam
- 6Riesgos
- 7 Meaning of Abnormal Results
- 8 Fountains
How to perform an Electroencephalogram
brain cells _ _they communicate with each other by producing small electrical signals, called impulses. An EEG helps measure this activity. The test is performed by an EEG technician in a doctor’s office, hospital, or laboratory. You are asked to lie on your back on a bed or in a reclining chair. You have flat metal disks, called electrodes, placed on your scalp, which are held in place with an adhesive paste. The electrodes are connected by cables to an amplifier and a recorder. The recorder converts the electrical signals into patterns that can be viewed on a computer. This looks like a bunch of wavy lines. You need to lie still and keep your eyes closed during the test, because movement can change the results.very bright and sparkling light .
It is a very safe procedure, which must be performed by a technician or a doctor specializing in neurophysiology. The environment should be calm, with few stimuli, and the child should be comfortable, lying on a table or sitting in a chair. Brain electrical impulses are collected through small metal disks (electrodes) that are placed on specific areas of the scalp. So that they do not move, they are held firmly with rubber bands or a special cap. Using a needleless syringe, a conductive gel is applied under each electrode to improve skin contact.
All this can be somewhat annoying, but it will not be painful at all. The electrodes are connected by cables to an amplifier-recorder that collects and records the electrical impulses in the form of waves. The recording must last a minimum of 20 minutes to have diagnostic value and the instructions of the person performing it must be followed. Most of the time the person must remain motionless and with their eyes closed. When prompted he will either take a few minutes of deep breaths or look at a bright light that flashes at different rates. It is preferable for small children or children with difficulties to collaborate that they are asleep during the procedure since the result will be more reliable.
Previous Preparation of the Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Hair should be freshly clean and dry.
- You have to wash your hair the day before with the usual shampoo and do not apply conditioners, fixatives or other products.
- It is not necessary or convenient for the child to be fasting.
- Unless the neuropediatrician says otherwise, you must take your usual medication and not suspend it on the day of the test.
- It is desirable that children under 5 years of age fall asleep during the test, because they will collaborate better and because the test will give us much more information.
- Also in older children it is common to want to record brain activity during sleep.
- To make it easier for you to fall asleep during the test, it is recommended that you do not drink or eat anything that contains caffeine, tea, energy drinks or other products that help you stay awake for the 24-48 hours before.
- The night before your test appointment, you should sleep only 5-6 hours and prevent sleep until the electrodes are placed. To do this, the bedtime should be delayed and the time to wake up should be brought forward.
Purpose of an Electroencephalogram (EEG)
The pathogenesis of the disease is unknown. According to epidemiological and immunological data, it is postulated that the streptococcus responsible for pharyngitis would trigger an immune response with the formation of antibodies that would cross-react with epitopes of the heart , the CNS, hyaluronic acid, etc. or their toxins would act as super antigens. The susceptible population presents a B cell-related antigen identified with monoclonal antibodies (D8/17). The relationship with other HLAs is not yet defined.
Reasons for Testing
EEG is used to look at brain activity and can help diagnose seizures. It can also be used to diagnose or monitor the following conditions:
- Abnormal changes in body chemistry that affect the brain
- Brain diseases such as Alzheimer ‘s disease
- Confusion
- head injuries
- infections
- tumors
EEG is also used to:
- Evaluate problems with sleep (sleep disturbances).
- Investigate periods of unconsciousness.
- Monitor the brain during brain surgery.
EEG may be done to show that the brain is not active, in the case of someone who is in a deep coma. It can also be useful when trying to determine if someone is brain dead. Note: EEG cannot be used to measure intelligence.
What it feels like during the exam
The electrodes may feel sticky and strange on the scalp, but they should not cause any other discomfort. You should not feel any discomfort during the exam.
risks
The procedure is very safe. However, the flashing lights or rapid breathing (hyperventilation) required during the exam can trigger seizures in those with seizure disorders. The doctor who performs the EEG is trained to care for you if this happens. It can be difficult to get the glue out of your hair, but it should come off after a few washes with regular shampoo.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results on an electroencephalogram (EEG) may be due to:
- Abnormal bleeding (hemorrhage).
- An abnormal structure in the brain (such as a brain tumor).
- Attention problems.
- Dead tissue due to a blockage of the blood supply (cerebral infarction).
- Alcoholism or drug addiction.
- Head trauma.
- Migraines (in some cases).
- Seizure disorders (such as epilepsy or seizures).
- Sleep disorder (such as narcolepsy).
- Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).
Note: A normal EEG does not mean that a seizure did not occur