Offering Electroencephalogram (EEG) in Southern California

Dignity Health’s neurologists use electroencephalogram (EEG) tests to record and monitor your brain’s electrical activity. This diagnostic test is noninvasive and painless.

Dignity Health Southern California offers a full complement of neurology and neurosurgery services, including diagnostic testing, at our state-of-the-art hospitals and imaging centers. To receive an EEG in Southern California, use our online Find a Doctor tool and make an appointment today.

Why Electroencephalogram is Performed

Your doctor may use an electroencephalogram test to diagnose or monitor several health conditions that may affect your brain activity. An EEG test is commonly used to detect or analyze:

• Brain tumors
• Effects of anesthesia on brain activity during brain surgery
• Seizures, including those caused by epilepsy
• Head injuries
• Brain diseases
• Sleep disorders
• Infections
• Any unexpected changes in brain function, including coma

What to Expect with Electroencephalogram at Dignity Health Southern California

Your doctor will give you complete instructions on how to prepare for your EEG test. They may include:

• Avoid caffeine for eight hours before the test.
• Wash your hair the night before, but do not use conditioner or other hair products.
• Continue taking all prescribed medications unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.

An experienced EEG technician will perform the test and send the test results to your doctor. The length of time your EEG will take depends on the purpose of the test. In some cases, overnight or extended monitoring is required.

During the test, adhesive-backed electrodes will be placed on your scalp and possibly your face. The EEG technician will connect the electrodes to a machine that records your brain activity. The technician will have you close your eyes and lie still. You may be asked to perform certain activities during the test, such as breathing fast or looking at a flashing strobe light.

An EEG test is generally safe. If portions of the procedure trigger a seizure, such as viewing a strobe light, the EEG technician is trained to respond accordingly.

What to Do After Electroencephalogram

You may immediately return to normal activities following an EEG. If you experience a seizure during the test, the technician will give you specific instructions about how to proceed.

The electroencephalogram test can help your doctor diagnose seizure disorders and other brain conditions. Once a diagnosis has been established, your doctor will be able to plan a specialized treatment strategy to fit your specific needs.