< Epilepsy Monitoring Unit

Electroencephalogram  (EEG)

The Neurophysiology Laboratory provides state-of-the-art neurophysiological testing for our patients of all ages – while they are in the hospital or at a clinic visit. We offer a wide range of advanced tests, including:

Digital Electroencephalogram (EEG)

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that records and evaluates the electrical activity in the brain. There are different ways that EEG is used to diagnose and monitor and variety of conditions:

  • Routine and portable EEG. This form of EEG is often used to evaluate people with epilepsy. It records brain activity for 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Outpatient prolonged video EEG. This type of EEG records video and the brain’s electrical activity for 1 to 2 hours or up to three days at home.
  • Intraoperative monitoring for neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery. This is an inpatient for of EEG that monitors a patient’s brain activity during a surgical procedure.
  • Extensive long-term video EEG. This inpatient type of EEG is used for medical and surgical treatment of epilepsy. It can also be monitor patients in critical care, especially in the neonatal, pediatric and cardiovascular intensive care units. Extensive long-term video EEG is often used to monitor patients as they are weaned off certain medicines or to create certain reactions to test brain activity.

Intraoperative Intracranial Prolonged EEG Monitoring

Intraoperative intracranial prolonged EEG carefully monitors brain activity during surgery for electrical activity of the brain, such as seizure onset. 

Intraoperative Functional Brain Mapping

Intraoperative functional brain mapping is used to localize and identify areas of functional capability, including speech, movement and visual function to successfully preserve function in the removal of the epilepsy focus.

Outpatient Prolonged Video EEG

An outpatient prolonged video EEG records both physical or behavioral activity with brain activity to determine correlations. 

Routine Digital EEG

Our advanced portable EEG equipment, within our 14-bed Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, allows for continuous monitoring over several days to identity, classify and localize seizures. In addition, our extensive long-term video EEG is used for both medical and surgical treatment of epilepsy, but also careful monitoring in critical care areas for Neonatal, Pediatric, and Cardiovascular Intensive Care.

What to Expect During an Electroencephalogram (EEG)

If your child is coming to Arkansas Children’s for an electroencephalogram (EEG), you may have some questions about how to prepare for your visit. Here are some helpful tips:

  • Children under 1 year of age have no special instructions.
  • Children between the ages of 1 and 4 must skip any naps they usually take on the day of their EEG.
  • Children older than 4-years-old must come to the hospital sleep deprived, having had no more than 4 to 6 hours of sleep the night before the test.
  • Do not let your child fall asleep as you travel to the hospital for your appointment.
  • Bring any item that will make your child more comfortable during the exam, like a blanket or a favorite toy.
  • Your child can eat and drink the day of the exam, but please limit sugar and caffeine intake.