Question about an EEG procedure...?

Question

I had an EEG last week and was curious about what the technician was doing during the procedure. Is it normal for them to type/take notes at various times during the test or do they just let the computer record the read-outs? I won't know the results for another week or so and am just curious if anything may have been out of the ordinary.

Sorry for the confusion...the reason I won't know for a week is because that's when the follow-up with the neurologist is. The technician said she couldn't tell me anything.

Answer 1

First off...let me show you this:
What's an EEG?
An EEG or electroencephalogram is a diagnostic test that gives a physician information about the brain's activity. Basically, it's an electrical picture of the brain. Small devices called electrodes are placed in precise locations on the scalp and attached by wires to an electroencephalograph or an EEG machine. Electrical activity (brainwaves) is collected and recorded as a pattern of wavy lines. A neurologist then interprets these lines to determine if there are abnormal patterns caused by brain disease or dysfunction.

Okay, I've been a medical secretarial tech and I picked up some stuff here and there.
The notes the tech was taking was probably stuff like "I'm mapping this portion of the brain".....or, "I saw normal whatever in this quadrant..."
This is just to tell the neurologist what happened at the time of the study.
The reason the tech couldn't tell you anything is #1, they aren't licensed to discuss results, only doctors can....and #2 techs can lose their job if they give any hint of a result (no matter how long they've been doing their job) because of their limited study...what they see might be totally different from what the doctor sees. Any specialist goes through many more years of study than normal doctors do.
For instance, I worked with Neonatologist (Preemie and sick newborns)....they not only specialized in pediatrics, then they have to specialize in neonatology. Some specialities can tack on anywhere from 4-8 years extra study.


I know you're worriedand anxious. If you don't like your results, or are in doubt of the tech and/or doctor...PLEASE get a second opinion...and if you are unsure of what's happening ask....most techs will be glad to tell you (the notes and whatnot).

Good luck on your test results!!
Cyn

p.s. I had one of these years ago before surgery as a precaution, I know how you feel.

Answer 2

It means very little whether or not notes were taken during the EEG. And unfortunately, waiting for the computer readouts will be your best option. I am surprised that it will take a week though - I had this done in Europe recently and they told me right after they were done, like, two minutes after they'd switched off the machine. Just hang in there and do nothing unusual until you know what's happening, then you should be fine.

Answer 3

My son had an EEG a few years ago while he was asleep. We knew the results right away! I cannot imagine why it would take so long. As for the typing - they were just imputting your information - like your vitals, how well you were tolerating the procedure, etc.

Answer 4

Yes it is. My son had an EEG. But they put him to sleep. They make sure your vital signs are normal and of course they keep track of all the results that are occurring.