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Prolonged Video EEGs
In video-EEG, you are videotaped at the same time as your EEG is recorded. The test is carried out for a long period of time, often several days. The doctor usually views the EEG patterns side by side on a split screen. In this way, the doctor can see precisely behavior during seizures related to the electrical activity in your brain.
Video-EEG test is done in the hospital. If you are under close supervision, it is safe to allow you to have some seizures, which the doctor will see. The doctor may reduce or even stop your seizure medications. Sleep deprivation, hyperventilation (very rapid or deep breathing) techniques are often used by the doctor to assess patients' brain activity during video-EEG. Video-EEG is very useful in identifying the type of seizures, and pinpointing the region of the brain where they begin.
About the procedure:
- Most patients say it's boring—just sitting around the hospital. So bring things you enjoy reading, school assignments or something else to keep you quietly busy. Bring comfort items such as your favorite pajamas, stuffed animals and foods that don't contain caffeine.
- Another tip is to bring clothing made so you don't have to pull over your head. The electrodes will be glued to your scalp with Collodion, the same extra strength glue used in ambulatory EEG, so your head will be connected to the EEG for the duration of the test. This mildly restricting, but not uncomfortable.
- After your test, contact your doctor's office to make a return office appointment, if it has not already been scheduled. The appointment number is 919-782-3456 ext 8079.
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