Getting Ready for Your In-Home EEG: What to Expect Before Your Test
If your neurologist or physician has ordered an in-home EEG, you probably have questions.
You might be wondering what to wear, if you can shower, whether you can work, or what to do if you have symptoms during the test.
Fortunately, preparing for an in-home EEG is simple. Understanding what to expect ahead of time can help your study go smoothly and ensure your physician receives the highest-quality information needed to make an accurate diagnosis.
What Is an In-Home EEG?
An in-home EEG, also called an Ambulatory EEG is different from a routine EEG done in a clinic. It records your brain’s electrical activity nonstop for up to three days while you continue your usual activities at home.
This type of test makes it more likely to catch a seizure or other neurological events. It can also find abnormal brain activity even if you don’t have symptoms. This extra information helps your doctor make a more accurate diagnosis and plan your treatment.
Related Reading: Why a Routine EEG Isn't Always Enough: When Extended In-Home Monitoring Provides Answers
Scheduling Your Test
Once your physician refers you for testing, our team will:
Verify/coordinates your insurance benefits
Schedule your appointment
Explain the testing process
Answer any questions before your visit
Our goal is to make scheduling as easy and stress-free as possible.
What to Wear
On the day of your appointment, wear:
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
A button-down or zip-front shirt is recommended, so you won’t need to pull it over your head after the electrodes are attached.
Comfortable shoes
Avoid:
Dresses
Tight collars
Hair accessories that interfere with electrode placement
Wash Your Hair Before Your Appointment
Before arriving:
Wash your hair thoroughly.
Do not use conditioner, oils, hairspray, gels, or styling products.
Make sure your hair is completely dry.
Your EEG technologist will use a safe, water-based paste to attach small electrodes to your scalp. Having clean hair helps the electrodes stick well and gives the most accurate results.
Can I Shower?
Once the electrodes are attached, you should not shower, bathe, or swim during your study.
Keeping the equipment dry prevents damage and helps make sure your recording stays accurate during the test.
Many patients choose to shower the morning of their appointment before arriving.
Can I Go About My Normal Activities?
Usually, yes.
One of the main benefits of in-home EEG monitoring is that it records your brain activity while you go about your normal life.
Depending on your provider's instructions, you may be able to:
Work from home
Read
Watch television
Cook
Walk around your home
Sleep in your own bed
Your doctor may ask you to avoid some activities, such as driving, heavy exercise, or anything where a seizure could be dangerous.
Keep a Symptom Diary
One of the most important parts of your ambulatory EEG is documenting any symptoms or events you experience during the study. If you have a seizure or notice any unusual symptoms, follow the instructions provided by your EEG technologist. If your recorder includes an event button, press it as soon as you're able to mark the time of the episode. If you're unable to press the button, a family member or caregiver can do so for you, if available.
Be sure to also record details about the event in your symptom diary, including:
The time your symptoms began
What you were doing when they started
What you experienced or how you felt
How long the symptoms lasted
Any unusual movements or behaviors
Even if you are not sure whether an episode was a seizure, it is important to write it down. Your neurologist will compare your symptom diary and any event markers with your EEG results to see if changes in brain activity happened at the same time. This information helps your doctor make the most accurate diagnosis.
Helping You Get the Answers You Need
An in-home ambulatory EEG is a safe and convenient way to collect important information about your brain activity while you continue your daily routine. Our team is here to make the process as comfortable as possible and to provide your doctor with the best data for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
If your doctor has recommended ambulatory EEG monitoring, or if you are having unexplained seizure-like episodes that need more evaluation, we are here to help. NeuroLogic Center for Epilepsy offers advanced in-home EEG testing with expert review by an epilepsy specialist. Call us at 401-526-0100 to learn more or ask your doctor for a referral.
