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Your Child’s Electroencephalogram - EEG

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Phone: (807) 684-6000 ext. #4181

 

What is it?

 

child EEG

Did you know that the telephone in your head is always ringing? It is! This is because there are constant and endless messages going to your brain from your body. Right now your brain is receiving information about how you feel and and what you sense. It is also sending messages back to your body about how you should react. If your body says, “I’m tired”, your brain might say, “Well, close your eyes and relax so that you may sleep.” All of this communicating is very exciting to the nerve cells, which send and receive the messages. They work hard to relay the information and just like you they use energy to get their work done. This is called “brain activity”, and an electroencephalogram lets us see it!

 

How does it work?

 

The energy of those nerve cells is sent to the EEG machine. It travels through small lines (conductive wires), which the EEG technologist lightly places on different spots on your head. The energy travels from your head to the wire, and from there it shows on the big screen as wavy lines. The lines look different when your brain is doing different things.

eeg

 

What you need to know about your EEG


During the test you must lay perfectly still with your eyes closed. We know this is difficult for little ones to do, especially if you are a little scared! During the procedure, all that you will feel is the EEG technologist applying tiny wires (electrodes) to your head with sticky cream. The test will take approximately 20 minutes if you stay still.

 

To the Parents


It is important that you let the EEG technician know of any medications that your child is taking.

 

Proper technique is essential in obtaining an accurate study. You may be asked to rebook your appointment if your child is unable to lie still.

 

If you child is under the age of five, the technician will contact you to arrange an appropriate time for the appointment.

 

If your child is to be given a sedative prior to the test so he/she may sleep, you will be asked to report to the Admitting Department and then to the Paediatric Outpatient Department at the specified time.

 

A nurse will administer the sedative in the Paediatric Outpatient Department.

 

In preparation for this test please wash your child’s hair the night before the test. No conditioners, oils, hair spray, mousse or gel should be worn on your hair for the test.

 

Please take the time to talk with your child about their experience in the hospital. Most children learn to fear these situations due to things that they see and hear. If you approach things with a positive attitude, more than likely your child will as well. Perception is everything!

 

When the EEG is completed your child will need a good hair wash. The electro-cream is very sticky stuff and it hardens over time, making it difficult to get out. So, the sooner the better!

 

The results of your EEG will be sent to your doctor. You will be contacted if any further testing is necessary. This information has been designed for you to read with your child.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:


Paediatric Out-Patient Department: (807) 684-6520

 

Paediatrics: (807) 684-6514

 

EEG Department: (807) 684-6000 ext. #4181



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