Electroencephalogram (EEG)

EEG (Electroencephalography)

Test Overview

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that measures and records the electrical activity of your brain. Special sensors (electrodesClick here to see an illustration.) are attached to your head and hooked by wires to a computer. The computer records your brain's electrical activity on the screen or on paper as wavy lines. Certain conditions, such as seizures, can be seen by the changes in the normal pattern of the brain's electrical activity.


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Author: Jan Nissl, RN, BSLast Updated: September 1, 2006
Medical Review: Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD - Neurology

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Topic Contents
Arrow PointerTest Overview
 Why It Is Done
 How To Prepare
 How It Is Done
 How It Feels
 Risks
 Results
 What Affects the Test
 What To Think About
 References
 Credits