Children's Memorial Epilepsy Center

Preparing for a video EEG

After years of suffering with debilitating seizures, Edward found relief at Children’s Epilepsy Center. Read more.

Epilepsy can manifest in many ways, so treatment is individualized as much as possible. To that end, the Epilepsy Center provides an advanced approach made possible by a laboratory equipped with a state-of-the-art imaging and monitoring system that records visual images of children as they play.

More about EEGs

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  EEG technicians Pulio Silva and Wendy Trujillo, observe a young patient in the Nordstrom Epilepsy Monitoring Unit to determine the circumstances under which her seizures are taking place.

  An EEG is a test that shows normal and abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It can also give information about specific types of seizure disorders.
• EEG technicians apply the electrodes with very precise measurements. Applying electrodes doesn't hurt the child, but may be stressful due to the time it takes to apply the electrodes and the ability to hold still. With young children it may be helpful to wrap them in a sheet.
• For most children, we use paste to adhere the electrodes. Some children may require collodion; with this adhesive, we blow air onto the electrodes. This helps the glue adhere to the scalp. PLEASE NOTE: Pregnant women should not be present in the room during the hook up with collodion.
• After children are connected to the equipment, they are connected by a cord and are free to move around as long as they are in view of the camera.
• Sensitive skin on the scalp may become irritated by the adhesive used to connect the electrodes especially if connected longer than 23 hours. This is especially true for children with allergies or eczema.

Preparing your child for an EEG

• The night before the EEG, wash the child's hair with regular shampoo. This decreases the risk of irritation from the electrodes.
• Do NOT apply conditioner or any other hair products; and no braids or pigtails, please. This will make the hook up go more smoothly for your child.
• If your child is staying overnight, please have him wear shirts or pajamas that button in front. (Otherwise we are unable to change soiled clothing after the electrodes are in place.)
• If your child is on the ketogenic diet or another special diet. please bring the needed food, or before the admission inform Julia, the nurse in the epilepsy monitoring unit.
• We do not sedate your child so he may have breakfast before coming to the monitoring unit.
• If you are bringing your child for a day-time study, please attempt to sleep-deprive him by putting him to bed as late as possible the night before the test and waking him up as early as possible the day of the test. We would like the child to nap during the EEG. (This helps us obtain a better EEG.)
• Medications should be given unless otherwise specified by your doctor.
• With overnight studies, your child may be disconnected from the equipment between 6 to 7 a.m. the following morning, and then be discharged to home shortly after.

Other important information:

• If your child has a fever or is sick(such as a "cold"),  please call before the test to confirm appointment. The rooms are semi-private, and we are unable to have a sick child room with a healthy child.
• Parents are responsible for contacting insurance companies for pre-authorization of services.
• The physicians review the entire EEG study. Please call referring doctor in 7 days for results.
• Please plan to arrive 15 minutes  prior to your appointment.

Where do I go for my CCTV/EEG?

We are located in the main hospital building on 3 West, Room M376.  (If you take the A elevators to the 3rd floor, the unit is immediately to the left from the elevators.)

• If you are coming for an overnight study go to Admissions on the 1st floor, Room M126.
• If you are coming for a day-time study, proceed directly to 3 West, Room M376. (If you take the A elevators to the 3rd floor, the unit is immediately to the left from the elevators). We will then direct you to the epilepsy office (W313) to register.

It is very important that you come on time. If you are late, you may need to wait to be seen or your visit may need to be rescheduled. If you think you are going to be late, please call 773.880.4807 and let us know.

Content last reviewed: August 2009