EEG Prep

Electroencephalogram (EEG) Information

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that records electrical activity in the brain. It is a totally painless procedure with no side effects or after effects and takes approximately one and a half hours. The EEG is recorded from small metal discs that are attached to the scalp with an adhesive. During the test, patients are asked to breathe deeply, watch a flashing light, and relax while the test is performed. These actions change brain wave patterns and may show abnormalities not normally seen.

Before coming to your appointment, please follow the instructions below:

1. Before the test, wash hair with regular shampoo only. Do not use conditioner, dandruff shampoo, or any other hair cleaners. When hair is dry, do not use any products such as oil, gel, mousse, hair spray, etc. Your scalp must be clean and oil free.

2. Eat a meal before the test (within two hours). Do not use any caffeine products.

3. Take any regular medications as prescribed, but bring a list of all current medications being taken.

Sleep Instructions for sleep-deprived EEG test

• For ages 13 and older — wake up at 1:00 a.m. and stay awake until the exam.
• For all children ages 0 – 12
  • Ages 0 – 2: Go to bed two hours later than normal and wake up two hours earlier than normal but no later than 5 a.m. Stay awake until the time of the test. Bring an extra bottle for infants and toddlers, and withhold the feeding nearest to the appointment time until the technician is ready. Do not let the child sleep in the car on the way to the appointment.
  • Ages 3 – 5: Go to bed three hours later than normal and wake up at 3 a.m. Stay awake until the time of the test. Do not let the child sleep in the car on the way to the appointment.
  • Ages 6 – 12: Stay up until midnight, sleep until 3 a.m., wake up and stay awake until the time of the test.

Where to Go

Check in at 126 S. Floral St., in the same building as the Sleep Disorder Center. The office is located on the north-east corner of Acequia and Floral, across from the Acequia Wing entrance of the hospital. Please arrive 15 minutes before your test time. Parking is available in the City of Visalia parking garage 222 W. Acequia Ave., next to the Sleep Disorder Clinic.

Please Note

If the patient is under 18 years of age, a parental or legal guardian is required to sign in upon check-in and must remain with the patient during testing. Children may not be left unattended. Please make arrangements for their care. Kaweah Health EEG Lab is not able to supervise children.

Thank you for your cooperation. You may contact us at (559) 624-2018 if you have any questions or you need to reschedule your appointment.