A 24 hour EEG ambulatory recording is a recording of brain activity on to portable EEG equipment over a 24-hour period (on occasion a 48 hour study is requested).
This is in the hope that we may capture one of your attacks to help in the diagnosis of your condition.
You will wear a “box” over your shoulder, which is connected to a series of electrodes attached to your head – which record your brain waves.
The electrodes are glued to the head using Collodion glue. A conductive gel is then inserted into each electrode cup to obtain maximum quality recording, this may involve some slight scratching but it is brief.
Please wear a buttoned up top so that you are able to undress easily for bed later in the day.
On the side of the box there is a button, which is to be pushed if an attack is seen/occurring. This is very important for interpretation of your results, so that it is highlighted to the technician analysing your brain waves when your attack happened.
If any electrodes should fall off whilst away from the department, we would ask you NOT to try and replace them as this can affect the accuracy of the recording.
It is important that you refrain from washing your hair, bathing or participating in sports activities whilst wearing this equipment.
Completing your diary
You must complete the diary given to you, filling this in as accurately as possible.
Things to include in your diary are:
- Your attacks/episodes, which you are being investigated for
- Times of your attacks
- Routine daily activities such as eating, sleeping, cleaning teeth and so on
Please make an accurate note of what happens, if one of your attacks occurs. Be as descriptive as you can be, from start to end of the attack.
You may want to ask the opinion of others around you at the time.
Also include any:
- Loss of awareness
- Loss of consciousness
- Abrupt changes in behaviour prior, during or following the attack
- Time lengths of attacks
The technician will discuss your attacks with you and may establish differing types if you are having more than one.
You can label your attacks in your diary as, type 1, type 2, type 3 and so on.
Please return to the department at the time specified by the technician with the diary completed, even if no seizures have been reported.
Removal of electrodes
On your return the electrodes with be removed by dissolving the glue using acetone. The acetone may cause some stinging to the scalp.
As the electrodes come off it is not unusual for a few fine hairs to be attached. Clumps of glue may remain on scalp after removal of electrodes.
We advise massaging head with oil and nail varnish remover over several days to remove the glue.