EEG Examination

EEG Examination – what is it and when should you have one?

EEG (electroencephalography) is a modern examination that allows us to assess how your brain is functioning. It enables us to observe the electrical impulses in the brain and check if its activity is normal. EEG is a non-invasive, painless, and completely safe examination – it can be performed on adults, children, and even infants.

Why is an EEG performed?

EEG is helpful in diagnosing many neurological problems. It may be indicated if you experience:

• fainting and loss of consciousness,
• chronic and recurrent headaches,
• sleep disorders,
• seizures, suspected epilepsy,
• visual disturbances without a clear cause,
• stuttering or other speech disorders,
• neurological symptoms after head injuries.

EEG is also sometimes performed preventively on individuals who engage in contact sports or work under high stress, which can affect the functioning of the nervous system.

Who performs the EEG examination?

The EEG examination is performed by a qualified EEG technician, who prepares the patient, applies the electrodes, and supervises the proper course of the examination. After its completion, the description of the examination is prepared by a neurologist, who analyzes and interprets the EEG recording. EEG examinations in our clinic are described by Dr. Medicine Andrzej Śliżewski, a neurologist and licensed clinical electroencephalographer with extensive experience in neurological diagnostics for both children and adults. The patient receives the examination description within 4 business days from the date of the examination.

This ensures that the examination is performed accurately, safely, and according to the highest standards.

Further treatment and decisions regarding management after receiving the EEG description are made by the neurologist caring for the patient. It is the neurologist who decides whether additional tests, changes in treatment, or consultations with other specialists are needed, using the EEG result as an important element in the diagnosis and care of your health.

How to prepare for an EEG?

The EEG examination is painless and non-invasive, but it is worth remembering a few rules:

• Wash your hair thoroughly (without hairspray, gel, or oils).
• Eat a light meal – do not come on an empty stomach.
• On the day of the examination, take your medications as usual, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Function as usual the day before and on the day of the examination.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and other psychoactive substances for 48 hours before the examination.
• If possible, come without makeup or with a light application.

EEG for children – stress-free and in comfortable conditions

We also perform EEG for children and infants. We understand that the examination can be stressful for little ones, which is why:

👶 a parent can be present during the examination to comfort the child,
👶 an infant can be fed after electrodes are applied, which helps them fall asleep,
👶 the child can bring their favorite soft toy, which helps them feel safer.

If you know that your child has difficulty lying still, please inform us when booking – we will plan the examination to be as comfortable as possible for them.

How is an EEG examination performed?

Before the examination, the technician conducts a brief interview, which aids in the later interpretation of the results. The examination is performed in a sitting or lying position. A special cap or electrodes with conductive gel are placed on the head to transmit electrical signals from the brain.

During the EEG, additional tests may be performed, such as:

💨 hyperventilation (deep breathing),
💡 photostimulation (light flashes),
👁️ opening and closing eyes.

These are completely safe and help obtain a more accurate picture of brain activity.

Why is it worth having an EEG?

EEG helps to better understand the cause of symptoms such as fainting or recurrent headaches. This allows for quick diagnosis and the implementation of appropriate treatment. The examination is completely safe, does not burden the body, and can be repeated if necessary.

An EEG examination itself does not provide a diagnosis, but it shows how the brain is functioning and whether its activity is normal for the patient’s age and condition. The result may confirm or suggest certain diseases, but it must always be evaluated by a neurologist in conjunction with the patient’s symptoms.

If you notice alarming symptoms in yourself or your child, do not delay – schedule an EEG examination and learn more about your brain’s health.