During an EEG, a special net is placed on your head to measure the electrical activity of your brain cells. The very weak currents are picked up and amplified by the device. Please note that no electricity flows into your head; rather, the device only measures the signals that are already present. Of course, we cannot read minds with it.
EEG (Electroencephalography)
Description of the examination
The EEG (electroencephalography) is an examination in which the electrical activity of your brain is measured via various electrodes placed on the scalp. This creates so-called brainwave curves, which allow conclusions to be drawn about the function of your nervous system. The currents are very weak and are amplified by the EEG device so that they can be made visible. No electricity flows into your head, but only from your head into the device.
During the examination, you will sit or lie in a quiet environment. The electrodes are located in a kind of cap or are attached individually using a conductive gel. Typically, a measurement takes between 20 and 30 minutes. Sometimes you will be asked to close your eyes, open them, or breathe deeply in order to better capture different brain activities.
When is this examination necessary?
An EEG is often performed when epilepsy is suspected. This method can determine whether there are typical seizures or unusual discharges in the brain. The EEG can also be used for sleep disorders, to clarify headaches, or if inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system are suspected.
In addition, an EEG is used to monitor consciousness and attention disorders or for follow-up examinations after epileptic seizures. It can also provide clarity in the case of unclear fainting spells as to whether there is a neurological reason for them.
Is this examination painful or uncomfortable?
The EEG examination is usually not painful. Many patients find wearing the electrodes at most slightly uncomfortable or unusual. Neither needles nor electrical stimuli are used, so you do not have to worry about pain.
Some people experience a slight pulling when removing the adhesive gel from their hair, but this is quickly over and does not cause any lasting discomfort. Overall, EEG is considered a very gentle, non-invasive measure for diagnosing a wide variety of neurological diseases.