Electroencephalography (EEG) in Arizona

At Dignity Health, our neurologists can perform electroencephalography (EEG) to evaluate electrical activity in the brain. An electroencephalogram is a painless, minimally invasive diagnostic test.

If you would like to learn more about an EEG in Arizona, meet with a skilled neurologist at Dignity Health. To request an appointment, Find a Doctor today.

Why an EEG May be Needed

Neurologists at Dignity Health often use electroencephalography to diagnose or monitor health conditions that affect brain activity. An EEG may be recommended to monitor or detect: 

• Head injuries
• Brain tumors
• Infections
• Seizures
• Any abnormal brain activity or change in function, including coma
• Sleep disorders
• Effects of anesthesia on brain activity during brain surgery
• Brain diseases such as encephalopathy, a disorder that changes the function or structure of the brain

Our compassionate specialists take a team approach to treating disorders of the brain and nervous system at St. Joseph’s, Chandler Regional Medical Center, and Mercy Gilbert Medical Center.

How to Prepare for an EEG

Before you go in for your EEG, you will be given special instructions on how to prepare for the test. This may include the following:

• Wash your hair the night before the test, but do not use conditioner or other hair products.
• Continue taking any prescribed medications unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• Do not consume caffeine for eight hours before the test.

What to Expect With an EEG at Dignity Health

An EEG may be performed at a Dignity Health hospital, outpatient center, or doctor’s office. This minimally invasive test is given by a skilled EEG technician. Depending on the purpose of the EEG, it may last from one hour to several hours. If your EEG is part of a sleep study, the test may take eight hours or more.

During an EEG, you will lie down on a bed or recliner. The technician will place sticky electrodes over your scalp and, sometimes, certain areas of your face. The electrodes connect to a recording machine with wires. You must lie still with your eyes closed during the test. The technician may ask you to do certain things during the EEG, such as breathe fast or look at a flashing strobe light.

Sometimes, your doctor may need to perform a longer EEG. If so, you will be asked to wear an device that records your brain activity for up to three days while you go about your normal routine.

Recovery After an EEG

Once your test is complete, you will be able to return to your normal routine. If you have a seizure during the EEG, the technician will give you special instructions on how to proceed. This test will help your doctor determine whether or not you have a seizure disorder or other type of brain condition. An EEG will help guide your treatment options moving forward.

In collaboration with Barrow Neurological Institute, Dignity Health offers a complete range of neurological testing and treatment, including EEG in Arizona.