Electroencephalogram (EEG)

EEG (Electroencephalography)

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

• Moving too much.
• Taking some medicines, such as those used to treat seizures (antiepileptic medicines) or sedatives, tranquilizers, and barbiturates.
• Being unconscious from severe drug poisoning or a very low body temperature (hypothermia).
• Having hair that is dirty, oily, or covered with hairspray or other hair preparations. This can cause a problem with the placement of the electrodes.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: November 6, 2006
Medical Review:	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD - Neurology
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