Many patients have encountered a diagnostic method such as an electroencephalogram of the brain. Definition and essence This type of research is extremely important for effective treatment and accurate determination of the patient's condition. Therefore, it makes sense to consider the EEG in more detail.
What is an electroencephalogram of the brain?
This terminology is used to describe one of the methods for diagnosing the state of the brain, which is based on the process of recording its electrical activity.
Focusing on what the brain electroencephalogram shows, doctors can identify various pathologies in the vessels, the development of inflammatory diseases, as well as signs of tumor and epilepsy. It is worth noting the important fact that it is EEG that is the only method of outpatient research, with which it becomes possible to diagnose a person in an unconscious state. Moreover, this technique is not dangerous for patients of any age category, including children.
Using what brain electroencephalography shows, Doctors can record the effects on patients of various drugs, evaluate the dynamics of the course of the disease, and also make adjustments to the methods of therapy. Continuing to consider the features of EEG, it should be noted that this type of study is used to track all brain changes - from reversible to structural. This is one of the main differences of this technique from other methods of examining a patient.
What does an EEG look like?
As for the visual component, the electroencephalogram has the form of a simple curve, which is formed in the process of recording fluctuations in the electrical activity of the brain. It is this curve that allows the doctor to get a clear picture of how brain activity is manifested. To determine the nature of a particular disease and its degree, a special map is used.
What the brain electroencephalogram shows, It is extremely important information in the assessment and impact on problems associated with the central nervous system. We are talking about the property of rhythm, with the help of which it becomes possible to accurately display the activity of all the structures located in the brain. Another indicator recorded by EEG is the features of the brain using its own reserves.
Indications for EEG
It is important not only to know the essence of the definition of “brain electroencephalogram” that this study shows and what characteristics it has, but also to understand for whom this type of diagnosis is relevant.
Initially, it is necessary to clarify the fact that no one will do without an EEG direction. And although this procedure is not able to harm patients in any condition, doctors, before using this diagnostic resource, collect a picture of the disease of a particular person. And only if the classical methods do not allow to accurately determine the essence of the disease, an EEG is prescribed.
In this case, there are situations in which an electroencephalogram is performed in the mandatory case:
- the presence of epileptic seizures ;
- if there is a suspicion of a tumor;
- when the patient is not able to objectively evaluate his own feelings or is too young for this (children);
- if the patient has had a disturbed sleep pattern for a long time or suffered from insomnia;
- in case of psychopathy, nervous breakdowns and psychoses;
- if a brain lesion that was developed from a nosological form was recorded;
- when the patient has vascular disease;
- the development of necrosis in the process of surgical intervention;
- if the patient is in serious condition, resulting from poisoning or injury;
- with a coma of the patient.
With such difficulties, an electroencephalogram of the brain is extremely important, which shows the relevance of this technique in working with patients of various groups.
Study preparation
There are a few simple rules that you must follow before the brain EEG is performed. What this study shows is largely dependent not only on the condition of the patient, but also on other factors. So for a more accurate diagnosis, you need to abandon the use of anticonvulsants several days before the procedure.
Before the examination, it is important to wash your hair. At the same time, you can not use mousses, creams, styling varnishes, foams and gels. You should also pay attention to the hairstyle: if there are dreadlocks or braids, you need to braid them, after which you will have to remove all the metal elements (piercings, jewelry).
It is important to know that this diagnostic procedure is irrelevant for those patients who at the time of the study are ill with viral or colds.
Algorithm
Understanding what the brain electroencephalogram shows, it makes sense to pay attention to the procedure itself.
Brain research begins with such an EEG procedure, which is called routine. At this stage, an analysis of the paroxysmal state of the brain takes place. For 10-15 minutes, using the graphic recording, biological potentials of the brain are fixed and standard functional tests are performed.
In the event that the use of a routine EEG did not give the desired results, doctors can prescribe an electroencephalogram with sleep deprivation. We are talking about the following procedure: the patient is awakened several hours earlier than usual or deprived of sleep all night, after which they begin to study the electronic impulses of the brain.
In the framework of the subject “EEG of the brain - price, preparation and description”, it is worth noting that in case of suspected paroxysm, a lengthy procedure can be prescribed during which sleep registration is performed. This approach makes it possible to obtain more accurate data.
If we talk about the most complete EEG, then this is a study that is carried out during sleep, before it and immediately after waking up. During these periods, the diagnosis of the state of the brain is much easier. As for the cost of the procedure, it may vary depending on the type of medical institution, as well as the region. But on average, the price of EEG ranges from 1500 to 2000 rubles.
Features of the procedure
There are a number of nuances that may seem unusual for those who have never visited the EEG. An electroencephalogram of the brain is carried out by using a specific device in the form of a cap that is worn on the patient’s head. This device is necessary for high-quality installation of electrodes. The number of the latter directly depends on the fact how old the patient is. For example, if a study of the activity of the brain of a child is conducted, then 12 electrodes are used. In the case of adults who are already adults, this number increases to 21.
The process does not end there: the electrodes are filled with a substance that allows you to quickly transmit electrical impulses. Next, the device, fixed on the patient’s head, is connected using wiring to an electroencephalograph, which initially amplifies the received signal, and then transfers it to the computer for subsequent processing.
Already in the computer, the signal takes on a wave-like shape, allowing doctors to evaluate the state of the brain in general and the activity of cells in particular.
The need to use EEG
It is difficult to overestimate the relevance of what the brain electroencephalogram shows. This information allows you to identify fairly complex diseases and abnormalities that may not have visible symptoms. It should be noted that at the moment, patients are also available with more modern diagnostic methods. We are talking about magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography.
Nevertheless, EEG is still actively used in Russian clinics, allowing doctors to make fairly accurate diagnoses. The use of this technique is especially relevant when working with patients suffering from epilepsy. This is explained by the fact that the EEG makes it possible to fix important details and features of the patient's condition at any time.
Sleep monitoring
This procedure, during which EEG is used, is of great importance in the diagnosis of diseases, as well as in assessing the process of their course. As mentioned above, the electroencephalogram can be performed at different times, and the sleep period is the most optimal.
Leading epileptologists confirm that it is this type of EEG that allows you to make more accurate diagnoses, as well as better adjust and control therapy for epilepsy. Often those disorders of mental development in children that are not recorded during a routine study are found during monitoring of brain EEG sleep, which shows a higher efficiency of this diagnostic approach.
How to prepare your baby for sleep monitoring
In order for the diagnostic procedure to be extremely effective, you need to wake the child 2 hours before his usual awakening. After that, during the day, you need to make sure that the baby does not fall asleep. To do this, you will have to spend time with him quite actively.
Preparation for the examination can begin after 18-00. Its essence is to limit the consumption of sweets and liquids, as well as salty and spicy foods. At the same time, any factors that can lead to overexcitation of the child should be avoided.
EEG of the brain in children, how it goes and why
For extremely accurate diagnosis of the condition of the child, the sleep monitoring technique described above is used. There are a number of indications for this diagnostic procedure in the case of children:
- when there is a suspicion of an ischemic lesion of the central nervous system;
- to assess the severity of the disease;
- with febrile seizures, epileptic seizures and pseudo-attacks;
- to assess the correct development and formation of bioelectrical activity in children at the very early stages of their life (infants);
- in the case when it becomes necessary to predict the development of brain damage and evaluate its dynamics.
The procedure itself is carried out from 8 to 9 pm at home. This allows you to record the activity of the children's brain before bedtime and after falling asleep. Otherwise, the algorithm of actions is the same as when working with adults.
It should be noted that even for infants such a research method as brain EEG is absolutely safe. An important diagnosis will always be, regardless of the method, but this type of assessment of the state of the brain will remain one of the most relevant for a long time to come.
Conclusion
The conclusion regarding the use of EEG is obvious - this technique is necessary for the effective operation of clinics and the accurate diagnosis of patients of various groups. Moreover, this procedure remains one of the most affordable.