Electroencephalogram (EEG) Testing

It is very important that you follow these instructions listed below before your test is performed.  Failure to follow these instructions can cause problems with your test results.

On the day of your test please go to the Outpatient Admitting area, which is on the ground floor, at the back entrance of the hospital, to be registered.  After you have registered, the EEG Tech will be notified. 

You will be taken to a quiet room where the EEG will be performed.  The EEG test will take approximately two hours

Instructions for Routine EEG Testing:

1. Do not eat or drink any food that contains caffeine, such as:  tea, coffee, chocolate, Mountain Dew, Pepsi, Coke or other cola drinks, etc. for 2 days before your test.
2. Please be sure hair and scalps are clean.  Wash hair with shampoo only. Do not use any conditioners, hair spray, gel, mousse etc.  Make sure hair is dry if washed that morning.
3. Take all regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your Physician.
4. You need to eat a light meal within 2 hours of having the EEG.
5. If a child is being tested and they have a favorite item such as a blanket or toy that will help them relax, please bring this item in with them.

If you are having a Sleep Deprived EEG:  Additional Instructions

1. Patient is to stay awake all night before the EEG, unless your physician gives other instructions with regards to how much or little sleep the patient is to have before the EEG is performed.

Electrocardiogram (EKG)

What is an EKG?

• An EKG is a record of your heart's electrical activity.

How is an EKG Done?

• Ten sensors are attached to your arms, legs, and chest (around the heart area).
• These sensors "listen" to your heartbeat and make a wave pattern on graph paper.
• Electrical impulses associated with heart contraction and relaxation are recorded.
• From the pattern on your EKG tracing, your doctor can check on how your heart is doing

Why has my doctor ordered an EKG?
Sometimes an EKG is ordered:

•  As part of a regular physical exam.
• To check up on a chest pain you may have told your doctor about.
• To follow the course of a heart condition or heart disease.

Will the EKG Hurt?

• An EKG is completely painless.
• No electricity goes into your body.
• There is no chance of electrical shock.

How long will it take to perform the EKG?

• No more than 20 minutes and usually less time.

What will the laboratory ask me to do?

• Undress only to your waist (we require a bare chest to position the EKG sensors).
• Your pant legs must be rolled up to above the knees. Women are requested to remove pantyhose to allow placement of the EKG sensors.
• You can keep all jewelry on.
• Lie flat on your back on the EKG table (bed).
• Relax.

What happens to my EKG tracing?

• The results of your EKG tracing will be returned to the doctor that ordered this test.
• Staff does not give out EKG results.