How to prepare for the examination?

What is EEG examination?

EEG (electroencephalography) is a painless test used to record the electrical activity of your brain. The search is completely painless and involves sticking small sensors (electrodes) to your scalp. These electrodes are connected by wires to a computer, which helps determine how your brain is working. The computer records your electrical brain activity and displays it on the screen as "wavy curves". Some diseases, such as epilepsy, can be recognized by changes in the normal pattern of brain electrical activity.

The standard EEG lasts about 1/2 hour and the EEG after a sleepless night (EEG NNN) about 1 and 1/2 hours.

Preparation for standard EEG

• keep your hair CLEAN and DRY, do not use any hair styling products, such as

gel or spray and remove extensions, braids and hair accessories before testing

• take all your usual medicines before the test
• before the recording, it is necessary to eat something to avoid hypoglycemia, which can affect the findings
• after the recording, your hair will be wet from the contact gel

Preparation for EEG after sleep deprivation (after a sleepless night)

All the preparation is the same as for a standard EEG, except that you come to the recording at 8:00am and you must not sleep from 2:00am. (you must be awake 6 hours before the recording). You will be able to sleep during the recording. Do not eat or drink caffeinated beverages between midnight and examination time.

What is an EMNG examination?

EMNG (electromyoneurography) consists of electromyography (EMG) and electroneurography (ENG). It is a test that records and measures the electrical activity of certain muscles and nerves. It is most often used to examine symptoms such as pain, numbness or muscle weakness. Depending on the referring diagnosis, the examination can last about 20 minutes and up to an hour.

Electromyography is a technique of examining and recording the electrical activity of muscles that occurs during muscle activation and at rest. The test involves the insertion of very thin needles into certain muscles, so there is some discomfort, but in most cases it is not a matter of severe pain. During the test you will be asked to contract and relax certain muscles.

Electroneurography is a test of the conduction of peripheral nerves, which is performed separately on motor and sensory nerves. The test involves using a series of mild electrical stimuli that are applied to specific areas on your arms or legs. Although the test is usually not painful, you may experience a slight local burning sensation during the test.

The EMNG examination gives valuable information about the state of your muscles and nerves, which helps your doctor in establishing a diagnosis and determining the adequate treatment of your disease or condition. The search leaves no lasting effects. Symptoms do not have to be present for the test results to be reliable.

Preparation for EMNG examination

Take a bath or shower on the day of the examination. Wash your hands and feet well to remove skin greasiness. Do not apply lotions, oils or creams to the skin. Wear comfortable and loose clothing that you can take off easily. Eat normal daily meals. Take all your usual medications (except for the repetitive stimulation test, when you should avoid medications that cause changes in the function of the neuromuscular junction for 48 hours, as the staff of the neurophysiological laboratory will warn you about). Bring a list of medications you are taking, especially if it is anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet agents.