Encephalogram

Encephalogram is a medical test that measures the electrical activity of the brain, often using an electroencephalogram (EEG). It is used to diagnose and monitor neurological disorders such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, and brain tumors.

Overview

An encephalogram is a non-invasive procedure that involves placing electrodes on the scalp to record electrical activity in the brain. The test is painless and can provide valuable information about the functioning of the brain. It is often used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests, such as MRI or CT scan, to provide a comprehensive picture of a patient's neurological health.

Procedure

During an encephalogram, the patient is asked to lie still and relax. Electrodes are attached to the scalp using a special adhesive. These electrodes are connected to a machine that records the brain's electrical activity. The patient may be asked to perform certain tasks or to sleep during the test. The procedure usually takes about an hour.

Uses

Encephalograms are used to diagnose and monitor a variety of neurological disorders. These include:

• Epilepsy: Encephalograms can detect abnormal electrical activity in the brain that may indicate epilepsy.
• Sleep disorders: The test can help diagnose sleep disorders by recording brain activity during sleep.
• Brain tumors: Encephalograms can help identify brain tumors by detecting changes in brain activity.

Risks

While encephalograms are generally safe, there are some potential risks. These include:

• Discomfort or skin irritation from the electrodes.
• False-positive results, which can lead to unnecessary further testing.

See also

• Electroencephalogram
• Neurology
• Neurological disorders

References

Encephalogram Resources
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