What does the electroencephalogram of the brain show? Procedure, description, purpose and feedback

Many patients have encountered such a method of diagnosis as an electroencephalogram of the brain. The definition and essence of this type of research are extremely important for effective treatment and accurate determination of the patient's condition. Therefore, it is worthwhile to consider the EEG in more detail.

What is the brain electroencephalogram

This terminology is used to describe one of the methods for diagnosing the state of the brain, which is based on the process of recording its electrical activity.

Focusing on what an electroencephalogram of the brain shows, doctors can identify various pathologies in the vessels, the development of inflammatory diseases, as well as signs of a tumor and epilepsy. It is worth noting and the important fact that it is the EEG is the only method of outpatient study, through which it becomes possible to conduct a diagnosis of a person in an unconscious state. Moreover, this method is not dangerous for patients of any age category, including children.

Using what the brain electroencephalography shows, physicians can record the effects on patients of different drugs, assess the dynamics of the course of the disease, and also make adjustments to the methods of therapy. Continuing to consider the features of EEG, it should be noted that this type of research is used to track all brain changes - from reversible to structural. This is one of the main differences of this technique from other methods of examining the patient.

As for the visual component, the electroencephalogram has the form of a simple curve that is formed during the recording of oscillations in the electrical activity of the brain. It is this curve that allows the doctor to get a clear picture of how the brain activity manifests itself. To determine the nature of a particular disease and its degree, a special card is used.

What an electroencephalogram of the brain shows is extremely important information when assessing and influencing CNS-related problems. This is a property of rhythm, through which it becomes possible to accurately display the activity of all structures located in the brain. Another indicator, recorded with the help of EEG - is the peculiarities of the use of the brain own reserves.

Indications for EEG

It is important not only to know the essence of the definition of "brain electroencephalogram", what this study shows and what characteristics it possesses, but also to understand for whom this type of diagnostics is relevant.

Initially, it is necessary to clarify the fact that without the direction of the EEG, no one will do it. And although this procedure is not capable of harming patients in any condition, physicians, before using this diagnostic resource, collect a picture of the disease of a particular person. And only if the classical methods do not allow you to accurately determine the essence of the disease, EEG is assigned.

There are situations in which the electroencephalogram is performed in the obligatory case:

- the presence of epileptic seizures;

- if there is a suspicion of swelling;

- when the patient is not able to objectively assess his own feelings or is too young for this( children);

- if the patient has been disturbed for a long time in sleep or has insomnia;

- in case of psychopathy, nervous breakdowns and psychoses;

- if there was a brain damage, which was developed from a nosological form;

- when the patient has vascular disease;

- development of necrosis during surgical intervention;

- in case the patient is in serious condition, resulting from poisoning or trauma;

- in the comatose state of the patient.

With such complications, an electroencephalogram of the brain is extremely important, which shows the relevance of this technique in working with patients of different groups.

Preparing for the

study There are a few simple rules that need to be followed before an EEG of the brain is performed. What this study shows is largely dependent not only on the patient's condition, but also on other factors. So for a more accurate diagnosis, you need to stop using anticonvulsants several days before the procedure.

Before the examination it is important to wash your hair. Do not use mousses, creams, lacquers for styling, foams and gels. Pay attention and it is necessary to hairstyle: in the presence of dreadlocks or braids they need to be untwisted, after which it is necessary to remove all metal elements( piercing, ornaments).

It is important to know that this diagnostic procedure is irrelevant for those patients who, at the time of the study, are ill with viral or cold diseases.

Algorithm for conducting

Understanding what the brain's electroencephalogram shows, it makes sense to pay attention to the procedure itself.

Brain research begins with such an EEG procedure, which is commonly referred to as routine. At this stage, there is an analysis of the paroxysmal state of the brain. For 10-15 minutes with the help of graphic recording, the biological potentials of the brain are fixed and standard functional tests are performed.

In the event that the use of a routine EEG does not produce the desired results, doctors can prescribe an electroencephalogram with sleep deprivation. It is about the following procedure: the patient is awakened for several hours earlier than usual or deprived of sleep for the whole night, after which they begin to study the electronic impulses of the brain.

As part of the theme "EEG of the brain - the price, preparation and description" it is worth noting that in case of suspicion of paroxysm, a lengthy procedure can be prescribed in the course of which sleep registration is performed. This approach makes it possible to obtain more accurate data.

If we talk about the most complete EEG, then this is a study that is conducted during sleep, before and immediately after awakening. During these periods, diagnosis of the brain is much easier. With regard to the cost of the procedure, it may vary depending on the type of medical facility, as well as the region. But the average price of the EEG varies from 1500 to 2000 rubles.

Features of the procedure

There are a number of nuances that may seem unusual for those who have never visited EEG.An electroencephalogram of the brain is performed by using a specific device that looks like a cap, which is put on the patient's head. This device is necessary for the qualitative installation of electrodes. The number of the latter directly depends on the fact how old the patient is. For example, if a child's brain activity is being tested, 12 electrodes are used. In the case of adults who are already adults, this number increases to 21.

The process does not end there: the electrodes are filled with a substance that allows you to quickly transfer electrical impulses. Then the device, fixed on the patient's head, is connected by wire to the electroencephalograph, which initially amplifies the received signal, and then transfers it to the computer for further processing.

Already in the computer, the signal acquires a wavy shape, allowing physicians to assess the brain condition in general and the activity of the cells in particular.

Necessity of using EEG

It is difficult to overestimate the relevance of what an electroencephalogram of the brain shows. This information allows you to identify fairly complex diseases and abnormalities that may not have visible symptoms. It should be noted that at the moment patients are available and more modern diagnostic techniques. We are talking about magnetic resonance and computer tomography.

Nevertheless, EEG is still actively used in Russian clinics, allowing doctors to put fairly accurate diagnoses. The use of this technique is especially important when dealing with patients suffering from epilepsy. This is explained by the fact that the EEG makes it possible to record important details and features of the patient's condition at any time.

Sleep monitoring

This procedure, during which the EEG is used, is of great importance in the diagnosis of diseases, as well as in evaluating the course of their course. As mentioned above, the electroencephalogram can be performed at different times, and the sleep period is the most optimal.

Leading epileptologists confirm that it is this type of EEG that allows for more accurate diagnoses, as well as better correction and control of therapy for epilepsy. Often, those violations of mental development in children who are not fixed during routine research are detected during monitoring of EEG sleep of the brain, which shows a higher effectiveness of this approach to diagnosis.

How to prepare a baby for sleep monitoring

In order for the diagnostic procedure to be extremely effective, it is necessary to wake the child 2 hours before his usual awakening. After that, during the day you need to make sure that the baby does not fall asleep. To do this, we will have to spend time with him quite actively.

Preparation for examination can be started after 18-00.Its essence is reduced to the restriction of consumption of sweet and liquid, as well as salty and spicy food. It should be avoided any factors that may lead to overexcitement of the child.

EEG of the brain in children, how is and why the

For the extremely accurate diagnosis of the child's condition, the sleep monitoring technique described above is used. There are a number of indications for carrying out this diagnostic procedure in the case of children:

- when there is a suspicion of ischemic CNS damage;

- for assessing the severity of the disease;

- with febrile convulsions, epileptic seizures and pseudo-attacks;

- to assess the correct development and formation of bioelectric activity in children at their earliest life( infants);

- in the event that it becomes necessary to predict the development of brain damage and evaluate its dynamics.

The same procedure is carried out between 8 and 9 pm at home. This allows you to fix the activity of the child's brain before going to bed and after falling asleep. In other respects, the algorithm of actions is the same as when working with adults.

It should be noted that even for infants, this method of research, like EEG of the brain, is absolutely safe. An important diagnosis will always be, regardless of the technique, but this type of assessment of the state of the brain will remain for a long time one of the most urgent.

Conclusion

Conclusion on the use of EEG is obvious - this technique is necessary for the effective operation of clinics and accurate diagnosis of patients of different groups. This procedure remains one of the most accessible.