Electroencephalogram (EEG)

EEG Testing in Maryland at Two Office Locations

Neurological Medicine, P.A., offers electroencephalogram, otherwise known as EEG, testing at our Maryland offices. EEGs allow us to help better diagnose and treat common neurological disorders like headaches, strokes, sleep disorders, epilepsy, seizures, dementia, and more.

Our neurological offices provide a wide range of neurological services including testing, diagnosis, and treatments. EEGs allow us to better serve and help our patients improve their quality of life and get answers to medical diagnoses.

What is an EEG

An EEG is a noninvasive, painless procedure used for monitoring the electrical activity, aka the brain waves, of the brain. When studied, the patterns of brain activity can help provide more information about the brain’s function.

An EEG is performed by applying small metal discs, electrodes, to the scalp. These electrodes have tiny wires attached and detect micro changes from the result of activity in brain cells. EEG monitoring allows these changes to be magnified and viewed on a computer screen as a graph.

During an EEG, you can expect 15 – 25 electrodes to be applied for the procedure. These are commonly applied with a temporary glue. It is painless to attach the electrodes and the procedure is painless.

An EEG can be performed in an office setting or in an in-patient setting. The procedure on average takes 1 hour. 30 minutes is commonly spent attaching the electrodes in place. 30 minutes of the exam is the monitoring of the brain activity. Your neurologist will then examine the graph provided and review the results with you.

Neurologists use an EEG to study the basic waveform, bursts of activity, and responses to external stimulation, such as lights, sounds, or images.

To prepare for your EEG test, consult with your practitioner on any specific preparations needed for your procedure. As a general practice you will want to clean the scalp and hair with shampoo but not conditioner, avoid tight hairstyles, and continue your normal sleep and eating habits, minus any intake of caffeine.

EEG testing preparations are to help with electrode placement and readings, maintain regular blood sugar levels, and examine normal brain wave activity.

Shampoo your hair and scalp the night before, to assist with a clean application of the electrodes
We ask you to remove any hair extensions
Avoid hair sprays, conditioners, and tight hairstyles like small braids
Avoid caffeinated beverages or foods for at least 8 hours prior
You may eat and drink normally the day of the procedure
Do not fast before the procedure, eat as normal to avoid low blood sugar levels
Take all medications as normal unless otherwise instructed
If you are instructed to do a sleep deprived EEG, ask your practitioner for any other preparations – you may be asked to only sleep 2 to 4 hours before the exam

What Happens During an EEG

EEG testing is noninvasive and is not painful. Patients should expect to be still during the duration of the test, commonly 30 – 45 minutes, along with 30 minutes of applying the electrodes to the scalp. You will be in a relaxed, reclined position or lying flat. You will be asked to keep your eyes closed and reduce movement as much as possible.

For some patients, we may show flashing lights or other stimuli to help compare and monitor brain waves. You will be asked to have all family members wait in a waiting room so you can take the test without any interference or interruptions that may influence the brain wave readings.

15 to 25 electrodes will be placed on the scalp using a temporary adhesive
You will be asked to sit in a reclining chair or lie back on an examine bed
During the exam you will relax and be still with your eyes closed
If needed, you may be shown bright lights, images, or other stimuli at the end of the test to review stimulated brain activity vs rested brain activity
The exam will take roughly 1 hour

Recovery After EEG Testing

Because an EEG is a non-invasive procedure, you may return home and resume daily routines as normal. If there is any residue left over from the electrode application, you can remove it with shampoo and warm water. Any irritation from the adhesive is expected to subside within a few hours after removal. For sleep-deprived EEGs, you will be asked to have a chaperone pick you up and drive you home.

Why EEG Testing is Recommended

EEG testing can help our neurologists with diagnoses, treatment, and understanding your overall diagnostic condition. Sometimes EEG testing is used to diagnose or confirm a suspected condition. In other cases, reading the brain waves can help with personalized treatment and understanding how each patient’s brain is reacting to the stimuli or circumstances.

Epilepsy

Seizures

Detecting Lesions

as from a stroke or tumors

Dementia and Alzheimer's

Narcolepsy

and other sleep disorders

Trauma Responses

Persistent Headaches

On-Going Confusion

Risks of EEG Brain Wave Testing

There are very minimal risks with an EEG test. This is because EEG tests are noninvasive – they are often performed as outpatient procedures in an office. There are no sensations or discomfort caused by the test.

Some patients are concerned about an electroshock but there is no way to receive an electroshock from the test. EEG testing simply records brain activity and does not produce any stimulation from the electrode disks themselves.

For some patients being seen for seizure disorders, the external stimuli of flashing lights can cause a seizure. Your doctor will treat the seizure right away and you will be in a controlled environment.

Some habits may interfere with the procedure (such as high caffeine intake) and it is important to be aware of these while you prep the day before; they may simply require another EEG to record the brain waves without these interferences:
Low blood sugar caused by fasting (please eat as normal)
Excessive moving around during testing (remain as still as possible)
Flashing lights
High intake of caffeine prior to the test
Oily hair, hair sprays, or other hair applications

Why Work with Neuro Med for Your EEG Test in Maryland

Since 1975, we have been a leader in patient care and neurological disorder treatment. We provide complete diagnostic and treatment services to patients with conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. Our mission is to provide compassionate care along with expert service to every patient that we treat.

With two offices in Maryland (Greenbelt and Laurel) we are able to treat many patients who are looking for solutions to their neurological disorders. EEGs are just one of many diagnostic treatment tools we use to understand the disorders affecting the patient and create total patient care plans that are personal and customized to what you need.

5 Star Rated

Hundreds of reviews that attest to our attentive care

Quick Scheduling

Request an appointment online with ease and get fast scheduling

Expert Physicians

We employ expert neurologists who provide compassionate care

Non-Invasive Testing

EEGs are just one example of non-invasive testing we use for treatment

How to Schedule Your EEG at Neurological Medicine, P.A. in Maryland

You can either request an EEG appointment online or call our office to set up your EEG procedure. Our office will collect any relevant documentation like referrals, previous medical records, insurance coverage, and government issued identification.

New patients should be aware of all insurances we accept and consult with their insurance carrier about deductibles and testing coverage prior to the exam. Please note our offices are open Monday through Friday, 7am to 4pm, and we are closed on weekends.

New patients are asked to bring new patient forms, copies of their medications, a government-issued ID, and medical records. You can review all documentation needed for your appointment on our New Patient page. Please call or email our office with any questions in a timely manner so we can help prepare you as easily as possible to make your exam go smoothly.

Request New Appointment

If you are a new or previous patient, inquire about an appointment date via phone, email, or our contact form.

Ask Us Your Questions and Concerns

Give us a call regarding insurance, services, and more. Physicians can send us referrals here.

EEG Frequently Asked Questions

What are the waves in an EEG?
The waves displayed on the graph of an EEG are brain waves. Brain wave testing via electrodes helps to determine how the brain is reacting when resting and in response to stimuli, like bright lights, touches, images, or sounds.

What are typical EEG waves?
For an awake adult, typical EEG waves are considered 8 Hz and higher frequencies. Your neurologist can consult with you on your findings and what your brain activity means.

How much does it cost to do an EEG?
The cost of EEG testing varies most based on insurance coverage. You can review all of our insured carriers covered under our New Patients info page and contact our office if you have any questions about your neurological diagnostic exams.

What is the difference between an EEG and an electroencephalogram?
Electroencephalogram is the medical name of an EEG test. If you are recommended EEG testing or an electroencephalogram procedure, these are the same neurological exam.

Can a neurologist do an EEG?
Yes, our neurologists at Neurological Medicine, P.A. provide EEG testing and can review the results to help with neurological diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders.