Understanding EEG Variants:
Routine EEG, Ambulatory EEG and QEEG Testing

Routine EEG Test

Routine EEG is a diagnostic test that involves recording brain wave patterns over a short period, typically lasting from 20 to 60 minutes. The procedure is conducted in a clinical setting and is often used to detect abnormalities such as epileptic seizures, brain injuries, and certain sleep disorders.

Key features of EEG:

• Test Duration: 20 to 60 minutes
• Appointment Duration: 1-2 hours
• Setting: EEG is typically conducted in a quiet room to minimize external interference with the recording.
• Purpose: Detecting and diagnosing neurological conditions, including epilepsy and sleep disorders. The EEG may also be used to determine the overall electrical activity of the brain to evaluate trauma.
• Procedure: Electrodes are attached to the scalp to record brain wave patterns. The procedure may vary depending on your condition.

  • Patient Preparation: It’s important for the patient to be relaxed and comfortable during the test, so they may be asked to avoid caffeine or alter their medication schedule as advised by their healthcare provider.

  • Recording Brain Waves: The EEG machine records the electrical activity produced by the brain in the form of waves. This recording is typically done while the patient is at rest with their eyes closed and then repeated with their eyes open.

  • Monitoring: An EEG technologist or EEG technician monitors the recording during the procedure to ensure the quality of the data and to identify any issues that may need to be addressed.

  • Analysis: A neurologist or healthcare provider analyzes the recorded EEG data. They interpret the patterns of brain waves and look for abnormalities that may indicate neurological conditions such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, or other brain disorders.

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QEEG Test

QEEG, also known as brain mapping, is an advanced form of EEG that involves quantitatively analyzing electrical activity in the brain. Unlike Routine EEG, QEEG provides detailed insights into brain function by analyzing brain waves’ frequency, amplitude, and coherence. QEEG is commonly used to assess cognitive function, identify neurological disorders, and guide neurofeedback interventions.

Key features of QEEG:

• Test Duration: 20 minutes
• Appointment Duration: 60 minutes
• Setting: Clinical environment.
• Purpose: Quantitative analysis of brain wave patterns to assess cognitive function and diagnose neurological disorders.
• Procedure: Electrodes are attached to the scalp to record brain wave patterns.

  • Patient Preparation: The patient needs to be adequately prepared for the QEEG procedure. This may include providing information about any medications they are taking and ensuring they are in a relaxed state.

  • Recording Brain Waves: The QEEG system records the brain’s electrical activity over a specified period, typically while the patient is at rest with their eyes closed and open. This recording captures baseline brain activity and allows for the analysis of various brain wave patterns.

  • Monitoring: An EEG technologist or EEG technician monitors the recording during the procedure to ensure the quality of the data and to identify any issues that may need to be addressed.

  • Analysis: A neurologist or healthcare provider analyzes the recorded EEG data. They interpret the patterns of brain waves and look for abnormalities that may indicate neurological conditions such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, or other brain disorders.

  • Data Analysis: The recorded data is analyzed quantitatively using specialized software. This analysis involves examining the frequency, amplitude, and coherence of the recorded brain waves.

  • Mapping Brain Activity: The software generates maps and graphs that represent the distribution of brain activity across different regions. These maps provide a visual representation of the quantitative information obtained from the analysis.

  • Comparison to Normative Databases: The results of the QEEG are often compared to normative databases that contain data from healthy individuals of similar age and gender. This step helps identify patterns or deviations that may indicate abnormalities.

  • Report Generation: A comprehensive report is generated based on the analysis. This report typically includes information about brain wave patterns, any deviations from the norm, and their potential implications. It may also provide recommendations for further evaluation or intervention.

  • Clinical Interpretation: A trained healthcare professional, often a neurologist or a neurofeedback practitioner, interprets the results in a clinical context. The interpretation considers the patient’s specific symptoms, medical history, and any other relevant information.

• Diagnostic and Treatment Planning: The findings from the QEEG may contribute to the diagnosis of neurological conditions or inform treatment planning. In some cases, QEEG results are used to guide neurofeedback interventions, where individuals can learn to self-regulate their brain activity.
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Ambulatory EEG (24 hrs/48 hrs/72 hrs)

Ambulatory EEG, also known as long-term video EEG monitoring, extends the recording duration to 24, 48, or 72 hours. This type of EEG is crucial for capturing intermittent or rare neurological events, such as seizures, that may not be evident during a short-duration recording. Ambulatory EEG is particularly valuable in epilepsy monitoring and evaluating patients with suspected but infrequent neurological events.

Key features of Ambulatory EEG:

• Duration: Extended (24 to 72 hours).
• Setting: Can be conducted in a hospital or at home.
• Purpose: Capturing intermittent neurological events, particularly in epilepsy monitoring.
• Procedure: Electrodes are attached to the scalp to record brain wave patterns using portable recording equipment worn by the patient during their daily activities. The device is usually worn in a small pouch or belt around the waist to ensure it is discreet and doesn’t interfere with the patient’s routine.