Description

72 Hour Ambulatory EEG ordered by your Neurologist

What is an 72 Hour Ambulatory EEG?

An ambulatory electroencephalogram, otherwise known as an EEG, is a method of measuring brainwaves in patients. While the name might seem intimidating, we can break down the meaning. An electroencephalogram is a way for medical professionals to measure the brainwave output of a patient. This is helpful when a patient is suffering from a neurological condition like seizures, as EEGs can record brainwave activity and note any sharp abnormalities that might occur before, during, or after an event. However, most in-office electroencephalograms are twenty minutes at the longest. If the patient does not have an event during that time or no meaningful data is recorded, this renders the in-office EEG somewhat irrelevant. Additionally, some seizures can be caused by external factors like environment, time of day, or stress level. Because of this, environmentally triggered seizures may not happen in the controlled environment of a doctor’s office. This is where the second part of our term comes in: ambulatory. Ambulatory simply means traveling, mobile, or in this case, at-home. Ambulatory EEGs are mobile versions of EEGs that can be worn for days at a time in an attempt to capture abnormal brainwaves and help diagnose neurological problems.

Why should I get a 72  Ambulatory EEG?

Often, doctors recommend an ambulatory EEG if they suspect certain diseases or conditions are interfering with normal brainwave function. Some examples include epilepsy or certain seizure-related disorders or silent seizures. The data taken from an ambulatory EEG can also help doctors determine what the cause of the seizures is, be it chemical, environmental, or emotional/stress related.

How do I Prepare for a 72 Ambulatory EEG?

• Wash your head the night before. Avoid products like conditioners, hair creams, sprays, and gels, and anything that could make the patches dislodge from your scalp. Depending on your hair style, some weaves or braids might need to be removed before the test can begin.
• Wear a front-opening shirt. Button shirts are recommended.
• Perform your usual daily routine beforehand. Do not miss medications or get less sleep for this test. Bring a list of current medications with you to the doctor’s office.
• A technician will use a special marker to mark on your scalp where the electrodes should be attached. They may also coat the marks with an extra substance to help the electrodes remain on the head.
• The technician will attach metal disks called electrodes to your scalp using a type of glue. This will prevent the electrodes from falling off the scalp during the duration of the test. Alternatively, the technician may use an elastic cap connected to the electrodes to secure them to your head.

What will happen during the test?

Electrodes are the points that measure the brainwaves. During the test, the electrodes will pick up brainwaves, amplify their signal, and send them down to the EEG machine. The machine will then keep track of the signals and prepare a readout for the doctor once the test is over. An ambulatory EEG is designed to be worn during all normal activities EXCEPT SHOWERING. The device is not water resistant and will malfunction if introduced to water.

During the test, keep a written log of your events throughout the day, including any symptoms of your condition or abnormal feelings. Additionally, with 48-72 hour tests, you will need to replace the battery after a certain amount of time. The Clear Bridge Biomedics Ambulatory EEG comes with the relevant instructions for your EEG device. Once your test duration is finished, pack up your EEG and return it to Clear Bridge Biomedics. Once your results are processed, Clear Bridge will send them to you for interpretation and discussion with your practitioner.