Introduction

 The EEG is the amplification, recording

and analysis of the electrical activity of the
brain in specified bilateral, cortical areas.
 Electroencephalography records the
spontaneous brain activity that originate
from the cortical pyramidal cells on the
surface of the brain.
Cont…
The making of the graph is based on
the same technique as the ECG, that is ,
the use of sensors to help pick up and
record the electrical impulse of the
brain.
Cont…
The electric activity, called action
potential , comes from the depolarization
along nerve cell membrane. The
fluctuations of electric activity from the
larger cortical areas of the brain are
detected on the electroencephalography.
Cont…
The brain electrical impulse are much
weaker than those of the heart and
require amplification to be recorded.
There are four basic wave patterns that
are recorded, the alpha waves being the
most common ones found in the
healthy adult.
There are 4 basic wave pattern
that are recorded
❖Alpha waves
❖Beta waves (faster wave)
❖Delta wave (slowest wave)
❖Theta wave
Background
Using the older EEG methodology, the
fluctuations in electric activity are
recorded on a moving paper by a series
of pens. In several of the newer
methodologies, the data are
computerized and displayed on a
monitor.
Purposes
to study brain function, to evaluate
cerebral disease and to assist the
diagnosis of some neurological
disorder. Such as specific types of
seizure disorders , head injury ,
encephalitis and meningitis.
Cont…

Evolving out the ethical and legal

concerns, is to conform the brain death,
Especially used for the patients
maintained on cardiac or respiratory
assistive device.
Cont..
To effectively differentiate
functional form organic brain
disorder.
To aid in the diagnosis of
intracranial lesions.
cont…
To evaluate brain activity in
metabolic disease, head injury,
meningitis, encephalitis and
psychological disorders.
To help conform brain death.
Indications
Seizure disorder
Distinguish the type of seizure
It provides important information in
central nervous system pathologies like
trauma, tumor, vascular, infectious and
metabolic problems
Cont…
Sleepdisorders
Encephalitis
Meningitis
Coma
Dementia
Cont…
Other neurological disease: head
injuries, stroke, phlebitis of the brain
It is also used in the ICU to conform
the “brain dead” patients who are still
breathing with the resuscitation.
Procedure
❑Patient permit is required and explain
that there is no any pain with the test.
Assure that no any electrical current
and shock is given.
Cont…
❑An EEG is usually done in a small,
quiet room with the only window
which provide visibility of patient to
the person operating the test.
Cont…
❑Placing patient either in bed or
adjustable lounging chair.
❑16 to 24 electrodes are attached to the
scalp in the specific location.
Cont…
❑They are affixed with conduction
[Link]- used in past
however other paste, gel and
waxes have been developed
which are easier to remove.
 Cont..
Medication such as anticonvulsant,
stimulants , tranquilizer and
depressives that alter the brain wave
pattern and suppress abnormal
pattern are to be withheld for 24 to
48 hour before the test.
Cont…
❑Dietary intake of stimulants are to be
withheld for 24 hour before test.
❑A certain amount of sleep deprivation
can be helpful in ensuring good results
from the test, especially if a sleep EEG
is to be done.
Cont…
❑In this case patient may be kept awake
through the night, if possible.
Cont..
Generally for all EEG a late bed time
the night before the test , early rising
the morning of the test and no naps
before the test are considered best as
patient is more likely to relax during
test and even sleep.
Cont…
❑Hair should be free from oil, hair spray
and any clips or pins.
❑Breakfast is important in preventing
hypoglycemia which can invalidate the
test finding.
Nursing implication
Before test
• The patient should know that EEG is a
painless diagnostic test and not a form
of therapy.
• The patient should be allowed to
express his fear and anxiety concerning
the procedure.
Cont…
• Instruct the patient to avoid caffeine
eg. Coffee, tea, coca-cola before the
test because they stimulate and alter
the EEG activity.
Cont…
• Instruct the client to have usual meal,
light food, liquids because the low
glucose levels also alter EEG results.
• Instruct the client to wash hair
thoroughly before the procedure, hair
spray, creams, or oils interfere the
recordings of the test.
Cont..
• If sleep-deprived EEG is performed to
evaluate sleep disorder or seizures that
occur during sleep, advice the patient not
to sleep a night before the procedure,
• Anti-convulsant and other sedatives
should be held before 24-48 hours.
Because it may alter the activity of brain
waves.
During test
• Help patient to relax in a chair or bed.
• Inform the patient that prickly
sensation or temporary pain is felt as
the electrodes are attached to the scalp.
• Reassure the patient that the electrodes
and wire will not cause shock or harm
to the patient.
•
Cont..
• Instruct the patient not to move the
head or body and not to talk during test
because muscle movement alters the
EEG readings.
• Observe the patient during procedure if
seizure occurs; prepare to provide care
during the episode.
Post test
• Remove the electrodes.
• Observe the patient for seizure activity.
• Take vital signs and report as necessary.
• Anti-convulsant medicines that were hold
should not be started automatically at
Same dose. It should be reviwed.
Reference
[Link]
/health/treatment-tests-and-
therapies/electroencephalogram-
eeg
[Link]
ectroencephalogram/
Contd..
 Sharma C, Sharma C. Essentials of
psychiatric and mental health nursing. 3rd
[Link] printing
press;2021
 William L, Wilkins. Basic Concept of
Psychiatric –Mental health Nursing. 8th
edition. India. Wolter’s Kluwer private ltd.
2012
 Sharma R. Mental Health Nursing .2nd
[Link]. Medhavi
Publication;2016