Video EEG
total credit for this report
goes to:
Steven C. Schachter, M.D.
In video-EEG, you are videotaped at the same time as your EEG is
recorded. The recording is carried out for a long period of time,
often several days. The doctor usually views the video and EEG
images side by side on a split screen. In this way the doctor can
see precisely how your behavior during seizures is related to the
electrical activity in your brain.
Video-EEG can be done on outpatients but it is often done in the
hospital. If you are in the hospital under close supervision, it is
safe to allow you to have some seizures, which the doctor can study.
The doctor may reduce or even stop your seizure Seizure
A sudden, excessive discharge of nervous-system electrical activity
that usually causes a change in behavior. Closemedicines to make
seizures more likely. Other techniques include sleep deprivation,
hyperventilation Hyperventilation
Increased rate and depth of breathing; may be done during the EEG to
increase the chances of finding epileptiform or other abnormal
activity. Close (very rapid or deep breathing), and exercise.
Video-EEG is most helpful in determining whether seizures with
unusual features are actually epilepsy, Epilepsy
A disorder characterized by transient but recurrent disturbances of
brain function that may or may not be associated with impairment or
loss of consciousness and abnormal movements or behavior. Close
identifying the type of seizures, and pinpointing the region of the
brain where seizures begin. Locating the region precisely is
essential if epilepsy surgery is being considered.
Video-EEG tips
A lot of patients say it's boring, just sitting around the hospital
day after day. So bring things to read or something else to keep you
busy.
Another tip is that the clothing you bring should be things that you
don't have to pull over your head. The electrodes will be glued to
your scalp with collodion, the same extra-strong glue that is used
for ambulatory EEG, so your head will be connected to the EEG
machine for long stretches of time.
Topic Editor: Steven C. Schachter, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 11/20/03
