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Neurology | Counties Manukau | Te Whatu Ora
Public Service, Neurology
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
An EEG is a test to detect abnormalities in the electrical activity of the brain.
Cells in the brain communicate with each other via electrical activity. In an EEG, electrodes are placed on the scalp over multiple areas of the brain to detect and record the patterns of electrical activity.
You should avoid all foods containing caffeine for 8 hours before the test.
Sometimes it is necessary to sleep during the test, so you may be asked to reduce your sleep time the night before. (Most departments have a list of things to do to get ready for this test).
They are also used to evaluate sleep disorders and to investigate periods of unconsciousness.
The test will need to be interpreted afterwards so the results will not be available at the time of the test but will be sent to the referring doctor or discussed with you at a subsequent clinic.