16 Aug 2024

What to Expect in a Paediatric EEG

What is an EEG

An electroencephalogram (EEG)  is a test that tracks and records electrical signals within the brain. Electrodes (small metal discs with thin wires) are applied to the scalp. They carry signals from the brain to a computer to record the results. The results are then interpreted by an EEG scientist and a paediatric neurologist (a doctor specialising in disorders of the brain).

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a safe and pain-free test.

Why Does My Child Need an EEG?

Your child’s doctor may request an EEG if your child has had seizures or events suspected to be seizures. An EEG can be very helpful for understanding the causes of seizures and epilepsy.

What to expect with an EEG

An EEG is not harmful. You can help prepare your child by explaining that it won’t be painful or uncomfortable: there are no X-rays or injections and there is no risk of electric shock. The electrodes just record brain activity. Some children may fear that the machine can read their thoughts or dreams, it is important to reassure your child that this does not occur.

How to Prepare My Child for an EEG

Wash your child’s hair

Wash your child’s hair the night before the EEG. They need to have clean, dry hair with no products applied (e.g. oil, mousse, or gel). Please make a new appointment if your child has lice as the test cannot go ahead.

Chicken Pox

If your child has recently had chicken pox, they must be completely better for the EEG to occur.

Encourage your child to remain still

Ideally, your child will need to be fairly still during the recording. For older kids, explain the importance of keeping still during the EEG so it won’t have to be repeated. The EEG scientist is experienced in helping children of all ages to relax, and distractions such as toys and videos are encouraged. Younger children may benefit from dummies, bottles, and other comforters, so remember to bring these to the appointment.

Children with Additional Needs

If your child has additional needs or you think they may not be able to cooperate with the procedure, please contact the EEG staff to discuss your concerns and the best course of action.

Medication

If your child is prescribed an emergency rescue medication for seizure management (like Midazolam), then please carry it with you to the EEG appointment if possible.

Before the EEG

Before testing, the EEG scientist will ask a few questions about your child even though you may have already given this information to your doctor.

If your child has seizures during specific situations (e.g. during sleep) please speak to your doctor or the clinic staff about the implications for the EEG recording. It may be possible to provoke  and record a seizure during the EEG . This can provide very useful information for your doctor.

What Happens in an EEG?

1. Set up

Your child will be asked to lie on a bed, sit in a chair, or be held by you. The EEG scientist will explain the procedure to your child and measure their head to identify where the electrodes will be placed. These areas will then be lightly cleaned and the electrodes will be placed on the scalp and kept in place by a sticky paste and light tape. The paste is easy to wash out after the test is completed.

During setup, your child will not feel anything other than their scalp and hair being touched, and the procedure will not hurt at all. There are no side effects from an EEG.

2. During the EEG

Each electrode is connected to an amplifier and EEG recording machine. During the test, the EEG scientist will sit at a computer watching the screen, and your child needs to remain reasonably still to avoid movement distorting the EEG results.

Children old enough to cooperate will be asked to open and close their eyes during the recording. Later they will be asked to hyperventilate (do some deep breathing). The last part of the test involves your child looking into a controlled flashing light. These lights try to bring on a seizure-like activity in the brain.

The EEG scientist conducting your test will  be prepared for any issues that could occur during the test.

A video recording will also be made in case a seizure occurs. This provides the neurologist with an accurate visual record along with the EEG recording.

EEGs During Sleep

Sometimes doctors will request that an EEG is performed while a child is asleep. If your child is young and still having morning or afternoon naps, skip the nap before the EEG. If your child is older, you will be given instructions to follow when you make the appointment. Please do not let your child sleep on the way to your EEG appointment. Sedation (sleep medications) is not typically used to help your child get to sleep for an EEG.

How Long Will The EEG Take?

An EEG test usually takes about an hour, but sometimes it may take longer, especially if a sleep recording is required. You will be able to stay in the room with your child.

Here’s a rough guide to the length of each type of EEG test:

  • Awake EEG: Approximately 60 minutes
  • Sleep EEG: Approximately 90 minutes

Are There Any Risks Associated With EEGs?

EEGs are very safe. The electrodes record activity – they don’t stimulate the nerves or send any electricity into the brain, so there is no risk of getting an electric shock. EEGs don’t involve X-rays.

Your child might have a seizure during the EEG in response to flashing lights or hyperventilation but the experienced staff know what to do in these circumstances. Talk to your doctor about any risks associated with EEGs and any concerns you have.

When Will I Get The Results?

The EEG scientist cannot tell you the results, and administration staff will not provide results over the telephone. You must make arrangements with your doctor to receive the results. Please allow at least 3-5 working days for a formal report. In urgent situations, or if an abnormality is seen on the EEG, the reporting neurologist will contact the referring doctor as soon as the EEG is done to provide a verbal report.

Is there a fee for my child to have an EEG

Out-of-pocket charges will apply as this is a private service. A Medicare rebate might apply but this doesn’t cover the full cost of the test.

Important things to remember:

  • An EEG is completely safe and pain-free.
  • Your child needs to have clean, dry hair with no hair products.
  • Arrange for someone to mind other children, as they cannot be present for the EEG.
  • Your child needs to remain reasonably still during the test.
  • Although painless, an EEG test can still be stressful for some children. Reassure your child that the test won’t hurt, is needed, and won’t take long.
  • If sleep recording is required, follow the instructions you’ll be given and do not let your child sleep on the way to the EEG.

Do You Need to Book A Paediatric EEG Test?

Located in Norman Park, Brisbane, The Brainy Bunch is group of independent specialists in the fields of Psychology, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Paediatric Neurology, General Paediatrics and Speech Therapy. We aim to deliver the highest standards of clinical care within a warm and nurturing environment.

We perform paediatric EEGs at the Brainy Bunch, including for infants and young children.  Our EEG scientists are highly experienced in paediatric EEG allowing us to deliver a high quality and timely service, tailored to even the youngest children. Our service includes routine and sleep deprived EEG studies, and we can also assist with facilitating longer EEG studies, such as overnight EEG.

Read more about our Paediatric EEG service or for further details regarding EEG appointments including out-of-pocket charges, please contact The Brainy Bunch.

 

Please note: these patient instructions are adapted from the parent information sheet as per RCH Melbourne.

HOW TO

Start the process

To begin psychological therapy or an assessment

You do not need a referral to see a psychologist for therapy or assessment. However, Medicare rebates are available for those who have a Mental Health Care Plan. To obtain a Mental Health Care Plan, you will need to visit your GP or a Psychiatrist or a Paediatrician. Medicare rebates are not offered for assessments.

To book an appointment with a Paediatrician, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist or Paediatric Neurologist

For an appointment with one of our medical specialists, please see your General Practitioner (GP) or current medical specialist and discuss a referral to our service. A referral from a GP or medical specialist is required, and once this has been received, our team will be in contact with you.

To begin speech therapy or a language assessment

You do not need a referral to see a speech pathologist for an assessment or therapy. However, Medicare rebates may be available for those who have a Chronic Disease GP Management Plan or Team Care Arrangement. You will need to speak with your GP to determine if you are eligible for referral under these schemes. Medicare referrals are also available under a Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder or other eligible disability (including Autism) scheme. Speak to your child’s GP, Paediatrician or Psychiatrist for a referral under this scheme.

HAVE A QUESTION?

Enquire Now

For enquiries or to book an appointment, please email admin@thebrainybunch.com.au or call (07) 3846 4554. Alternatively, you can complete the contact form below, and one of our reception team will be in touch to answer your query or book an appointment.