Electroencephalogram (EEG) for Seizures

 

A complex organ, the brain is in control of everything that happens in our body, right from thoughts, memories, emotions, sensations, motor skills, vision, breathing, hunger, temperature and any other process which regulates our body. Both the brain and the spinal cord form the central nervous system of the body. 

Neurons, which are nerve cells are known to be the fundamental units of the brain and the nervous system. They send messages all over the body via rapid electrical impulses and chemical signals in a process known as synaptic transmission. In this process, neurons send 

motor commands to the muscles of the body and are also involved in transforming and relaying electrical signals across the body. 

 

This allows the brain to coordinate behaviour, thoughts, sensations and brain. Based on their roles, there are three different types of neurons – sensory neurons, motor neurons and interneurons. In the brain itself, there are over 100 billion neurons! Neurons are each less than a millimetre in size and can only be seen using a microscope – When split up there are three parts – Soma (the cell body) which contains the cell’s nucleus, dendrites (branch-like structures that send and receive messages from other neurons) and axons which are tube-like structures which carry the impulses from the cell body to the axon. There is also the synapse which is the chemical junction between the end of one neuron and the dendrites of another neuron.   

 

Cognitive defects such as shortened attention spans, inability to understand abstract concepts and impaired decision-making abilities are signs that your brain may be unhealthy. At times accidents, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, neurological conditions, multiple sclerosis, brain tumours,  strokes, sleep disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, brain haemorrhage, hormonal conditions which affect the brain tissue, metabolic conditions which affect the brain tissue, head injuries, etc. are some of the main reasons the brain gets damaged. Some of the first signs of brain problems include headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness and problems with speech.

 

There are many neurological tests for the brain, spinal cord and nerve disorders. Some of these include Electroencephalography (EEG), CT scans, Angiography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), electrocardiogram (ECG), Brain CT scan, etc. One of the most important tests that are performed on a person suffering from epilepsy is the Electroencephalogram (EEG). However, brain CT scans are also useful for such patients. 

 

What is an EEG?

 

The top choice of tests to diagnose epilepsy or even for routine doctor follow-up check-ups is an EEG. This test is used to measure the electrical activity of the brain. A number of electrodes with small metal discs with thin wires are pasted onto the scalp. These electrodes are used to detect tiny electrical charges from the activity of the brain cells. The charges are depicted on a graph on a computer screen which is printed on paper. When a person suffers from Epilepsy, the seizure activity will appear as rapid spiking waves on the EEG. Many other people who have lesions on their brain – which may be a result of tumours or strokes may have unusually slow EEG waves. 

This test may also be used to diagnose other disorders which influence brain activity such as Alzheimer’s disease, certain psychosis and a sleep disorder known as narcolepsy. The test can also be used to evaluate trauma, drug intoxication, and the extent of brain damage in comatose patients. It can also be used to monitor blood flow in the brain during surgical procedures. 

 

Between 16-25 electrodes are attached to a person’s scalp when conducting this test with a special paste. The person will then be told to close their eyes. They will also be told to avoid swallowing and blinking. These actions may cause an inaccurate reading. At times the person will be told to breathe deeply. These tests usually take 20-40 minutes or can even go up to 1 hour. (routing EEG)

Prolonged EEG is similar to routine EEG but it is used primarily for epilepsy monitoring. Ambulatory EEGs may be used if a person continues to have seizures despite trying different seizure medications. 

A video EEG may also be used to record what you are doing or experiencing on videotape while a normal EEG test records your brain waves. Video EEGs may be useful to determine if the seizure, with unusual features, is actually epileptic. It is highly important to locate the region precisely, especially if epilepsy surgery is recommended.

 

There are other names for EEG tests such as EEG telemetry, EEG monitoring, and video EEG monitoring.   

            

 

 

.