ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM
Understanding Your Brain’s Electrical Activity
An EEG (electroencephalogram) is a safe, painless test that records the electrical activity in your brain – often called “brainwaves”. If you or your child have been experiencing symptoms like seizures, blackouts, faints, headaches, or other neurological concerns, your doctor may have referred you for an EEG to help understand what’s happening.
The test provides valuable information that can assist your doctor in making an accurate diagnosis and determining the best treatment plan for you or your child.
WHAT IS AN EEG PROCEDURE?
Measuring How Your Brain Communicates
Your brain is constantly generating tiny electrical signals as nerve cells communicate with each other. An EEG captures these signals and displays them as wave patterns. By studying these patterns, neurologists can identify abnormalities that might be causing your symptoms.
The test is completely non-invasive – we simply record the natural electrical activity your brain produces.
How The EEG Test Works
Your EEG appointment will be 60-90 minutes. Our specialists will make you as comfortable as possible throughout.
Approximately 23 electrodes (small metal disks) are attached to your head using a special sticky paste. These electrodes record your brain’s electrical activity as we take you through a series of simple instructions.
Step By Step
- Your head will be measured, and approximately 23 small marks will be made on your scalp to show where the electrodes will be placed.
- The areas are gently rubbed, then small metal disc electrodes are attached using a sticky paste. This doesn’t hurt, it just feels like having stickers placed on your head.
- You’ll either sit in a comfortable chair or lie down during the recording. We may ask you to open and close your eyes at various times.
- You’ll be asked to take deep breaths for about 3 minutes. This can sometimes reveal changes in brain activity that help with diagnosis. You might feel a bit light-headed or notice tingling in your fingers – this is completely normal and will settle when your breathing returns to normal.
- You’ll look at a bright flashing light with your eyes open and then closed. This is particularly important if you may have seizures or blackouts triggered by flashing lights. In very rare cases, this might cause a seizure in sensitive individuals, but the clinical physiologist is monitoring the EEG closely and will stop immediately if needed.
- Once all the recordings are complete, the electrodes are removed and the paste is cleaned from your hair.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE EEG TEST?
The results of the investigation need to be carefully analysed after your appointment. Your specialist neurologist will review the recording and prepare a comprehensive report that will be sent to your doctor. Results will not be available the same day.
Your doctor will discuss the findings with you at a follow-up appointment, and discuss what these findings mean for your diagnosis and treatment.
Side Effects
There are no side effects from the EEG test itself. The most common experience is:
- Temporary marks on your scalp from the electrodes (these fade quickly)
- Sticky paste in your hair that needs to be washed out
- Possible light-headedness during deep breathing (this is normal and passes quickly)
How An EEG Assists A Diagnosis
EEG testing helps neurologists diagnose a range of conditions by revealing patterns in your brain’s electrical activity. The test can show:
- Abnormal electrical patterns that may indicate seizure disorders or epilepsy
- Changes in brain function that might explain blackouts, faints, or loss of consciousness
- Activity patterns associated with headaches or migraines
- Signs of other neurological conditions affecting brain function
The results are analysed by our experienced neurologists who will prepare a detailed report for your referring doctor, helping them understand what’s causing your symptoms and how best to treat them.
Prepare For Your EEG
- Please ensure that your hair is clean. Do not use any hair products (gel, hair spray etc.).
- Please have meals as normal.
- Take your medication as normal unless otherwise directed.
- Please bring a list of any medication you may be taking.
- Allow 60-90 minutes for the full appointment
- Please bring a copy of your referral to the appointment.
Read our patient information to find out more about EEG costs & payments and what to expect on the day
Safety & Comfort
EEG testing is completely safe and is used routinely on patients of all ages, from newborns to elderly adults. The test:
- Uses no electricity – we only record the signals your brain naturally produces
- Involves no needles or injections
- Is painless and non-invasive
- Cannot read your thoughts or emotions
- Has no lasting effects on your body
Sleep Deprived EEG
In some cases, your doctor may request a sleep-deprived EEG. This involves staying awake for an extended period before your test (usually missing a full night’s sleep).
Sleep deprivation can sometimes reveal brain activity patterns that wouldn’t show up during a standard EEG, making it easier to identify certain conditions like epilepsy.
If you’ve been asked to have a sleep-deprived EEG, our team will provide you with specific instructions about how long to stay awake and what to do on the day of your test.
Meet Your EEG Neurologist
Dr Darshan Ghia has extensive experience in EEG testing, interpretation and diagnosis of neurological conditions in adults.
With extensive training at Monash Medical Centre, he serves as the Head of the Stroke Unit at Fiona Stanley Hospital, As a member of the Australia and New Zealand Stroke Organisation, and a Board Member of the Neurological Council of WA, you can expect comprehensive, passionate care throughout your journey.
Dr Darshan Ghia
Common Questions
The full appointment typically takes 60–90 minutes. This includes preparation time, the actual recording (usually 20–30 minutes), and clean-up.
No, the EEG is completely painless. You might feel a gentle rubbing sensation when the electrodes are placed, but there’s no discomfort during the actual recording.
Please bring the following items to your EEG appointment:
- Your referral letter from your doctor
- Medicare card and any private health insurance details
- Medication list – a complete list of all medications you’re currently taking, including doses
- Comfort items – if the test is for a child, bring their favourite toy, blanket, or comfort object
- List of symptoms – it can be helpful to have a written list of your symptoms and when they occur
- Questions – write down any questions you’d like to ask the clinical physiologist
Conditions We Can Assist With
- Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
- Headaches and Migraines
- Brain Infections (Encephalitis)
- Brain Tumours
- Head Injuries and Concussion
- Sleep Disorders (Narcolepsy, Sleep Apnoea)
- Coma and Brain Death Assessment
- Neuromuscular Conditions (e.g. Myasthenia Gravis)
- Dementia / Alzheimers
- Developmental Disorders
- Spina Bifida
- Febrile Seizures
- Cerebral Palsy
Have any Questions?
To make an appointment or to discuss your results, please contact our helpful team by phone or email.