The cerebral cortex is in a state of constant electrical activity, which is the result of the emergence of synaptic potentials, electrical discharges in nerve cells. For the first time, the generation of electrical oscillations was discovered by physiologists Katon and Danilevsky. In 1929, Berger first registered the electrical activity that occurs in the human head, which was called the brain electroencephalogram or abbreviated EEG.
The procedure plays a large role in the study and evaluation of different areas of the cortex. Nowadays, the brain electroencephalogram and her parameters pretty much studied. In a person who is in a calm state, a constant and regular rhythm (alpha rhythm) is recorded in most of the cortex . With vigorous activity, the constant rhythm changes to a more frequent one, it is called the beta rhythm. During sleep, the rhythm slows down, it was called the delta rhythm.
Similar changes occur with irritation of the ascending paths projecting into the cortex. As a result of the above, the brain electroencephalogram makes it possible to assess the state of the cortex. With its help, you can judge the depth of narcotic sleep during medical manipulations, the presence of pathological processes in certain areas of the brain.
The electroencephalogram in children, especially in the first year of life, allows us to assess the presence of pathological processes. You can also evaluate their dynamics and the degree of brain damage after birth injuries and developmental abnormalities.
Diseases in which an brain electroencephalogram is performed
This examination is performed when convulsive seizures occur, the cause of which lies in the brain. With the help of an EEG, the effectiveness of the treatment with early forms of epilepsy is assessed, the antiepileptic drugs are correctly selected, especially in young children, where an accurate dosage selection is necessary, depending on weight and age. Also, this examination is indicated for tumor damage to the brain, severe injuries, circulatory disorders in vascular diseases and developmental abnormalities, and many other diseases. EEG is used to assess the development of the brain and its electrical activity when the child is behind in psychomotor and speech development.
How is an encephalogram of the brain for a child
The procedure for conducting an EEG is painless and fairly simple to perform. Therefore, it is carried out in a planned manner for children of the first year of life and older children in the clinic. When performing an EEG, the child is in a sound and light-insulated room. It is placed on a changing table or, if older, on a chair. For the calmness of the child during the examination, it is desirable that the mother or other close person be nearby. Before the examination, a special cap is put on the head on a fabric basis or in the form of a rubber mesh. On it, the doctor places the necessary electrodes, to which wires connected to the device (encephalograph) are connected. The electrodes are wetted with a conductive gel or physiological saline before the start of pulse recording . In the area of the auricles, inactive electrodes are installed.
During the registration, the child’s head should be straight upright and should not lean forward. Otherwise, artifacts will be recorded. An electroencephalogram of the brain in young children is performed during daytime sleep. It is important that the child is calm and does not make active movements.
How to prepare your baby for EEG?
On the eve of the need to bathe a child. A baby should be full, otherwise he will be moody and troubled.
Older children can take a toy. In advance, you need to tell the child about the upcoming procedure so that he is not afraid and behaves calmly.
By time, the EEG takes, on average, 20-30 minutes.
The doctor may ask you to perform simple manipulations, such as clenching your fist, deep breathing movements, opening and closing eyes, and others.
The analysis of the obtained EEG is carried out by the doctor and the result with the conclusion is issued the next day. Before EEG, it is necessary to bring the previous pictures, if any. This will allow you to evaluate the dynamics of the process.