What is an Ambulatory EEG? |
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Ambulatory electroencephalography (AEEG) monitoring is a relatively recent technology that allows prolonged EEG recording in the home setting. Its ability to record continuously for up to 72 hours increases the chance of recording an ictal event or 
Interictal Epileptiform - Epilepsy waves recorded between seizures.
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Why would I need an Ambulatory EEG? |
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The brain’s electrical activity fluctuates from second to second, but routine EEGs provide only a 20- to 40-minute sample of this activity. If
Epilepsy - A disorder of the brain that results in recurrent, unprovoked seizures.
abnormal waves occur in your brain only once every 3 or 4 hours, or if they happen only after an hour of sleep, for instance, a routine EEG will usually be normal. Then the doctor may want to see a longer recording that includes prolonged periods when you are both awake and asleep. This kind of recording is called an ambulatory EEG. ("Ambulatory" [AM-byew-lah-TOR-ee] means able to walk around.) An ambulatory EEG may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of epilepsy if you've continued to have seizures despite trying various seizure medicines. |
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What is the procedure like? |
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This kind of recording is made by using a special recorder that is slightly larger than a portable cassette player. You can wear it on your waist, with the wires running either under your shirt or outside of it. Then you can go about your normal routine for up to 72 hours. The electrodes are pretty well covered if you have a full head of hair. Because the electrodes must stay on your head longer than for a regular EEG, the technologist will probably use a special glue called "collodion" to keep them in place. Acetone or a similar solution is used to remove them easily at the end of the test. You will usually be asked to keep a diary of your actions during the day to help the doctor identify the cause of abnormal activity on the recording. For instance, the electrodes may make your head itchy, and if you scratch it, that may appear as abnormal activity on the EEG.
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What are the advantages of an Ambulatory EEG? |
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There are two advantages to ambulatory EEG recording. First of all, it allows the EEG to be recorded over a much longer period than a routine EEG - for several days if need be. This greatly increases the chances of detecting abnormalities. The second advantage is that it may be possible to actually record the EEG during an attack, particularly if these are occurring quite often. This may allow doctors to distinguish whether the attacks are epileptic or not. The recording may also give a very clear picture of how often attacks are occurring in someone who is known to have epilepsy. |
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