Preparing for an EEG

1. Eat normally on the day of the test and do not skip meals. Avoid caffeine, which is typically found in coffee, tea or cola because this may alter the test results. There are no other food or fluid restrictions.
2. Your scalp must be accessible; hair weaving that prevents access to the scalp may need to be removed prior to your appointment.
3. Wash your hair before coming to the test and DO NOT put anything on the hair, such as gel, grease or hairspray (hair conditioner is okay). Your hair should be clean and dry, which will allow the electrodes to be placed without difficulties. Bring a comb or brush with you to the test, especially if you have long hair.
4. If your doctor ordered a sleep-deprived EEG, you are allowed only one-half (1/2) of your normal night's sleep on the night before your EEG appointment.
5. Continue to take your regular medication unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
6. Children are encouraged to bring simple toys to keep busy while electrodes are being attached. Snacks, favorite blankets or pillows may also be helpful. If you think your child may not cooperate with our procedures, please contact us and we will arrange help from a child life specialist.

What to expect during the EEG test:

1. You will be taken to a specially equipped room where the EEG will be performed. The room contains a bed and the EEG testing equipment.
2. The technologist will measure your head and mark locations to ensure proper placement of the electrodes.
3. The scalp is then prepared by rubbing on a special skin preparation with a cotton-tipped applicator. This helps the electrodes to adhere to the scalp.
4. Electrodes will be attached to the scalp with either electrode paste or collodion (an ether-based glue).  Electrode paste is odorless and water soluble but does not hold as well as collodion. Collodion is dried with compressed air. The collodion has a strong odor and the compressed air will feel cold on the scalp. Electrode crème is squirted into the electrode after the collodion is applied.
5. You are ready for your EEG. You just relax in bed and sleep if you can. You might be exposed to flashing lights or be asked to do rapid breathing to induce electrical activity on the EEG.
6. When the EEG is finished, the electrodes will be removed with acetone, collodion remover or warm water (depending on how they were attached).  Acetone has a strong odor and feels cold. Collodion remover is oily and has a mild odor.

After the EEG: There are no other side effects, except for messiness in the hair. You will want to shampoo normally at the next opportunity. Your physician will have the results of the exam in approximately three weekdays.

Preparing for the Somatosensory Evoked Potential [SSEP] test:

1. Your scalp must be accessible; hair weaving that prevents access to the scalp may need to be removed prior to your appointment.
2. Wash your hair before coming to the test and DO NOT put anything on the hair, such as gel, grease or hairspray (hair conditioner is okay). Your hair should be clean and dry, which will allow the electrodes to be placed without difficulties. Bring a comb or brush with you to the test, especially if you have long hair.
3. Continue to take your regular medication unless otherwise instructed by your physician.

What to expect during the SSEP test:

1. You will be taken to a specially equipped room where the SSEP will be performed. The room contains a reclining chair and the SSEP testing equipment.
2. The technologist will measure your head and mark locations to ensure proper placement of the electrodes.
3. The electrode sites are then prepared by rubbing on a special skin preparation with a cotton-tipped applicator. This improves the conductivity at the electrode sites.
4. Approximately 10 recording electrodes will be attached to the scalp, shoulders and legs. The electrodes are attached with either electrode paste or collodion (an ether-based glue). Electrode paste is odorless and water soluble but does not hold as well as collodion. Collodion is dried with compressed air. The collodion has a strong odor and the compressed air will feel cold on the scalp. Electrode crème is squirted into the electrode after the collodion is applied.  Stimulating electrodes are placed on the wrists and/or ankles.
5. You are ready for your SSEP. One wrist or ankle at a time is stimulated with electrical pulses. The pulses start at a level so low you won’t feel them. They are gradually increased until a thumb, finger or toe moves in response to the stimulation. Some people find the pulses uncomfortable but most agree it is tolerable. The stimulation will not go higher than you say is OK. We will be very sensitive to your personal tolerance level.
6. When the SSEP is finished, the electrodes will be removed with acetone, collodion remover, or warm water (depending on how they were attached).  Acetone has a strong odor and feels cold.  Collodion remover is oily and has a mild odor.

After the SSEP: There are no other side effects, except for a slight messiness in the hair. Your physician will have the results of the exam in approximately three weekdays.

Preparing for the Visual Evoked Potential [VEP] Test:

1. Come to the test fully rested; you need to be fully alert for this test. There is no restriction on caffeine for this recording.
2. Your vision should be as good as possible for the VEP. Bring any corrective lenses that may help. Do not schedule an ophthalmology appointment right before the VEP unless you can be assured that your pupils will not be artificially dilated.
3. Your scalp must be accessible; hair weaving that prevents access to the scalp may need to be removed prior to your appointment.
4. Wash your hair before coming to the test and DO NOT put anything on the hair, such as gel, grease or hairspray (hair conditioner is okay). Your hair should be clean and dry, which will allow the electrodes to be placed without difficulties. Bring a comb or brush with you to the test, especially if you have long hair.
5. Continue to take your regular medication unless otherwise instructed by your physician.

What to expect during the VEP test:

1. You will be taken to a specially equipped room where the VEP will be performed. The room contains a reclining chair and the testing equipment.
2. The technologist will measure your head and mark locations to ensure proper placement of the electrodes
3. The scalp is then prepared by rubbing on a special skin preparation with a cotton-tipped applicator. This improves the conductivity at the electrode sites.
4. Six electrodes are attached to the scalp with either electrode paste or collodion (an ether-based glue).  Electrode paste is odorless and water soluble but does not hold as well as collodion. Collodion is dried with compressed air. The collodion has a strong odor and the compressed air will feel cold on the scalp.
5. You are ready for your VEP. You will be asked to look at a checkerboard pattern as the dark and light checks change places for several minutes at a time. This will be repeated under various conditions. In some cases a strobe light is also used.
6. When the VEP is finished, the electrodes will be removed with acetone, collodion remover or warm water (depending on how they were attached).  Acetone has a strong odor and feels cold. Collodion remover is oily and has a mild odor.

After the VEP: There are no side effects, except for a slight messiness in the hair. Your physician will have the results of the exam in approximately one week.

Preparing for the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential [BAEP] test: If your ear canals may be occluded with wax, the wax should be removed before your appointment. Otherwise, there is no preparation needed before this test.

What to expect during the BAEP test:

1. You will be taken to a specially equipped room where the BAEP will be performed. The room contains a reclining chair and the testing equipment.
2. The technologist will measure your head and mark it with a marker. This ensures proper placement of the electrodes.
3. The scalp is then prepared by rubbing on a special skin preparation with a cotton-tipped applicator. This improves the conductivity at the electrode sites.
4. Four electrodes are attached to the scalp with either electrode paste or collodion (an ether-based glue).  Electrode paste is odorless and water soluble but does not hold as well as collodion. Collodion is dried with compressed air. The collodion has a strong odor and the compressed air will feel cold on the scalp.
5. You are ready for your BAEP. You will be asked to wear a pair of headphones and that produce repetitive clicking sounds. You do not have to pay attention and may even sleep during the recording, if you wish.
6. When the BAEP is finished, the electrodes will be removed with acetone, collodion remover, or warm water, depending on how they were attached.  Acetone has a strong odor and feels cold. Collodion remover is oily and has a mild odor.

After the BAEP: There are no side effects, except for a slight messiness in the hair. Your physician will have the results of the exam in approximately one week.