If the technologist asks you to remain in the waiting room while the test is in progress, then it is because many children are inclined to be more cooperative without their parents present, and this can help us obtain a better recording. The technologist will sometimes ask you to stay with your child during the test and sometimes ask you to wait in the nearby waiting room. Your child will have fun looking at a flashing strobe light during the recording. Older children may be instructed to breathe deeply through their mouths for two to three minutes. A special paste is used to affix the electrodes.ĭuring the recording, special procedures are sometimes performed. Next, the technologist will clean the red areas and attach small electrodes with thin wires on the marked spots.
The EEG technologist will make markings with a red (washable) skin crayon on your child’s scalp to ensure the electrodes are applied in very specific locations. The test can take 45-90 minutes depending upon cooperation of the child and type of study ordered. Our EEG technologists have special training in making children feel safe and comfortable during the test. Your child might be fearful about the EEG. Upon completion of the study, your child’s hair may be damp (from removing the electrodes) so you may want to bring a hat during cold weather. Please avoid giving your child caffeinated food and beverages, such as chocolate, soda, tea or coffee for 24 hours before the EEG study. Please bring your child’s favorite stuffed animal, blanket, and an extra bottle to help provide comfort during the study. If your child no longer takes naps, it would be helpful if you wake your child up one to two hours earlier than usual in the morning. Please do not let your child take a nap that day or during the ride to the hospital.
If your child still takes naps, please schedule the EEG appointment during nap time. It can be helpful if your child falls asleep during the study. Please do not use hair spray, oils, cream rinse or gel. Please wash your child’s hair the night before the test. Your child’s hair and head must be clean. They will direct you to the EEG Lab area. When you get to the outpatient reception area, check in with the desk staff for registration. If you are more than 15 minutes late for your appointment, you may be asked to reschedule.įind the most up-to-date information about parking and discounted rates for parents and guardians. Arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment to check-in.If your insurance requires, bring your referral and co-pay.What to expect at your routine EEG appointment
Please see special instructions for the following tests: Routine EEG and ambulatory EEG appointments are offered at our main Philadelphia Campus location (Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care, 10 th Floor) and many satellite locations. EEGs can be scheduled in conjunction with your Neurosurgery Center appointment or separately. To contact the EEG Lab, please call 21 which is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. This is the highest possible certification, indicating we have a comprehensive approach and patient-oriented interdisciplinary team capable of performing the most complex forms of EEG testing. We have a Level 4 certification from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC).
The EEG Lab, EMU, and our EEG Technologists are accredited by the American Board of Registration of Electroencephalograhic Technologists (ABRET) which ensures we meet exacting technical standards and can demonstrate high-quality recordings. The EEG Lab also performs evoked potential tests and intracranial corticography. Last year, our team performed approximately 5,000 outpatient EEG studies, 1,000 ambulatory EEG studies, 1,500 days of monitoring in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU), and 2,000 days of monitoring in CHOP’s intensive care units. The EEG Lab at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) supports neurology patients at CHOP's Main Campus, numerous satellite locations, and additional regional hospitals. Why would a child need an EEG?ĮEG testing is primarily used to diagnose and manage epilepsy, but it may also be used to diagnose other brain disorders or evaluate events of unclear cause.
An EEG measures brain waves through small metal disks called electrodes that are gently pasted to your child's scalp right before the test and then removed once the EEG is complete. An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that measures the electrical activity in the brain, called brain waves.