Your child must be sleep deprived - do not let your child fall asleep on the way to us.

Read our step by step guide about what to expect in the EEG test here: Routine EEG.pdf

The technologist will measure your child's head and place approximately 25 electrodes on top of the scalp with a special paste - it is important that your child can lay still whilst the test is being set-up.

The EEG will record brain activity, which will be looked at by a special doctor called a neurophysiologist after the test.

If your child is old enough, they will be asked to open their eyes, watch a special flashing light (photic stimulation) and do some deep breathing with a pinwheel (hyperventilation).

Your child might get upset during parts of the test, this is normal because they will be very tired. Some children are not able to understand everything that is happening, but the EEG is not painful and the tech will work with you to find the best way to do the test.

After this, your child will lay quietly with their eyes closed - this is when we are waiting for sleep. Once the recording is done, the electrodes will be removed with warm water. 

Video is recorded during all children's EEG tests so that the doctor can connect questionable episodes or behaviour with brain activity.  If you have any concerns about this, please speak to your technologist.