Sleep Deprived EEG



Your doctor has ordered a sleep-deprived EEG for you.  An EEG records the electrical activity of the brain.  This special type of EEG may help give your doctor useful information about your problem.  It is like the routine EEG except that you must stay awake from midnight the night before the test  If you have any questions about the test, please be sure to ask your doctor or nurse.

 

What to Do

 

• Stay awake from midnight until the time of your EEG.
• You may eat, but do not drink any caffeine after midnight before the test (no coffee, tea, cola, etc.).
• If you are on prescribed medicine, such as anti-epileptic drugs, take them as usual.
• If you are an outpatient, have someone drive you to the hospital and home again.  You may be very sleepy after the test.

 

Arriving for the EEG

 

• There are volunteers at the main desk who can direct you.
• Your EEG appointment is in the EEG lab, J module/2^nd floor 
• You must stop and register 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.  Registration is on the main floor as you make your way on ‘Main Street’ to the EEG lab in the J module.  Follow ‘Main Street’ towards the J module.  Registration will be on your right hand side.  After registration, continue right on ‘Main Street’ through the H elevator lobby to the J lobby.  Please check in at the EEG desk.

 

The Procedure

 

Once in the EEG lab, a technologist will place small metal discs on your scalp using special glue. The discs will be placed at certain locations.  Once the test begins, it is important that you relax.  Though you will be sleeping during a portion of the procedure, you may also be shown a flashing light or asked to breathe deeply for a short time.  The test will take about one and a half hours.  At the end of the test, the metal discs and glue will be removed.  The staff will explain how to remove any glue that may remain on your scalp.

 

Results

 

The results will be sent to your doctor in 1 to 2 days.  Please call your doctor for the results and discuss any questions you may have.

 

Phone Numbers

 

If you have any questions, or if you need to change the date or time of the test, please call.

 

EEG lab at (608) 263-8483.

 

If you live out of the area, call 1-800-323-8942.  Ask for the EEG lab.

 

The Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is #7049.

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 06/08/2011

Copyright © 05/26/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #4207

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