It’s used to detect subtle seizures, likeabsence seizuresorfocal seizures.
Purpose of Test
The relationship between sleep and epilepsy has been studied for years.
Sleep deprivation is proposed as an activation procedure used to trigger epileptic seizures and to initiate interictal epileptiform abnormalities.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
The latter are abnormal electrical patterns that are characteristic of epilepsy and occur between clinical seizures.
A sleep-deprived EEG can be used to diagnose and differentiate various types of epilepsies.
Sometimes seizure activity can manifest with psychiatric symptoms.
These may contribute to some differences in the results at times encountered when comparing studies done at different institutions.
Risks and Contraindications
A sleep-deprived EEG is safe, painless, and poses no significant risk.
Most people experience little or no discomfort during an EEG.
If you are undergoing a sleep-deprived EEG, you will be carefully monitored throughout the procedure.
The recording will continue while that patient is falling asleep or dozing.
Once the test is over and the patient wakes up, they can immediately go home.
It can be performed in a healthcare providers office, hospital, lab, or clinic.
Refrain from putting any conditioners, hair creams, sprays, or styling gels in your hair.
Caffeine can interfere with the test results.
You should take your medications as usual, unless instructed otherwise.
It is best to confirm what you should take on the day of the test prior to the procedure.
Be sure to ask.
attempt to verify your financial responsibility prior to the testing if this is a concern.
The EEG technician will be responsible for running your test and monitoring you during its duration.
The room you will be tested in will probably be dim and quiet.
Before placing the electrodes, the technician will measure your head to find the accurate spots to place them.
She will mark these spots with a wax crayon.
At least 16 and even up to 25 electrodes can be placed on your head for the sleep-deprived EEG.
At the start of the sleep-deprived EEG, the technician will ask you to relax and close your eyes.
She will probably suggest starting with a few deep breaths.
Once the test begins, it is important that you remain as still as possible.
Even blinking or swallowing can throw off a reading.
During the test, it is alright if you doze, and you might be encouraged to do so.
The technician will also be watching you to see any signs of seizures triggered during the test.
You will probably want to wash your hair as soon as possible.
Interpreting Results
The EEG recordings are interpreted by a board-certified neurologist with expertise in epilepsy diagnosis.
These results will be relayed via a report to your provider.
You could get your results as soon as a day later, but it may take a few weeks.
This will help to understand the test results in the context of your clinical history.
Feel free to jot down notes.
Any need for treatment will depend on your final diagnosis.
Epilepsy can bemanaged with medication or surgery.
A Word From Verywell
Having symptoms of seizures or having to undergo an EEG can be scary.
If your child has a seizure during the test, healthcare providers can care for them.
Gillette Childrens.EEG instructions for sleep deprivation.
Epilepsy Foundation.What if its normal?
Stanford Childrens Health.Electroencephalogram (EEG) frequently asked questions (FAQ).
Epilepsy Foundation.Which EEG pop in is best for you?
Giorgi FS,et al.
Controversial issues on EEG after sleep deprivation for the diagnosis of epilepsy.Epilepsy Res Treat2013; 1-5.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Neurological Diagnostic Tests and Procedures Fact Sheet.
Ozdemir O,et al.
