What is an Electroencephalogram (EEG)?
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a risk-free, non-invasive, and painless procedure conducted at our office on Montana ave in El Paso, Texas.
An “EEG” (Electroencephalogram) is a test that captures electrical impulses or “Brainwaves” and provides significant information about the brain’s health and function. EEG measures brain waves in terms of electrical activity across time, allowing the relative dominance of different types of waves, such as alpha waves, to be determined.
An EEG can aid in the diagnosis, monitoring, and exclusion of medical disorders. An EEG does not diagnose or treat any disease.
Type of Brain Waves
Beta Waves
Beta waves have a frequency of 14 Hz or higher. It is most visible frontally and is frequently observed on both sides in symmetrical distribution. Sedative-hypnotic medicines, particularly benzodiazepines and barbiturates, amplify it. In areas of cortical injury, it may be absent or diminished. It is widely accepted as a natural beat. When patients are attentive, worried, or have their eyes open, this is the prevailing rhythm.
Alpha Waves
The frequency of alpha waves ranges between 7.5 and 13 Hz. Is often found in the posterior portions of the head on either side, with the dominant side having a greater amplitude. It emerges when you close your eyes and rest, and it disappears when you open your eyes or are alerted by any mechanism (thinking, calculating). It is the predominant rhythm observed in typical, calm people.
Theta Waves
Theta waves have a frequency range of 3.5 to 7.5 Hz and are considered "slow" activity. It is totally natural in youngsters under the age of 13 and when sleeping, but odd in conscious adults. It can appear as a sign of localized subcortical lesions; it can also appear in a broad distribution in diffuse illnesses such as metabolic encephalopathy or in some cases of hydrocephalus.
Delta Waves
Delta waves have a frequency of three hertz or less. It has the greatest amplitude and moves the slowest. It is usual as the main rhythm in babies up to one year old, as well as in sleep phases 3 and 4. It might manifest as isolated subcortical lesions or as widespread lesions, metabolic encephalopathy, hydrocephalus, or deep midline lesions.
Why is an EEG Done?
An EEG provides us with a individual’s brain map that is used to validate symptoms such as attention/concentration, focus, memory, anxiety, depression, and difficulties with impulse control. EEGs are a vital tool allows providers to confirm or rule out a variety of conditions, including:
- Mood Disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
- ADD/ADHD
- Memory problems
- Attention Problems
* EEGs are also used by our practice to improve Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) by tailoring treatments to each individual unique brain map.
Important Information for your EEG Testing Appointment
Before my Appointment
- Make sure to complete any forms via the patient portal
- Come with your hair washed and dried.
- DO NOT use any products such as gel, oils, hairspray, leave-in conditioners, etc.
- DO NOT wear makeup or apply cosmetic products to your face.
During my Appointment
During your appointment, you will first complete a consent form.
Next, you will seated in a comfortable chair. Then our trained technicians will place the device and calibrate it. This may take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes.
Once the device is calibrated, you will perform 2 simple tasks. First, you will sit with your eyes closed for 10 minutes. Second, you will sit with your eyes opened for 10 minutes. Then the technicians will remove the device.
After my Appointment
After your appointment, we will schedule a follow-up to go over your results. Our providers will send your EEG data to a Psychiatrist / Neurologist for evaluation. Once complete, our providers will integrate the findings with your medical history, notes from your psychiatric evaluation, and past appointments.
During your follow up appointment, our providers will go over the information and reports from the EEG and explain in depth the signficance of the findings and how it plays into your diagonsis formulation and treatment planning.
Advanced In-depth EEG Profile Reports
We use an advanced EEG system which does not use messy gels and provides us with accurate and precise EEG data. This system combines psychological testing, neuropsychological testing, provider evaluations, and EEG to give a comprehensive but simple report. This is one tool our providers will use in diagnosis, treatment planning, and personalized transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy.
Here are some sample diagrams from EEG report:
EEG is Covered by Most Insurances
