24-Hour Ambulatory EEG
Your doctor may want an extended recording of your brain activity. If so, you will be connected to a small portable EEG monitor and sent home to continue your regular activities over a 24-hour period.
For more information, call our lab at 713-456-5218 if you have questions about the EEG.
Location and Directions
We are located on the second floor of Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital, at 7600 Beechnut.
Enter through POB I, and take the elevators to the second floor. Follow the signs to Hyperbaric Medicine and the Outpatient Wound Treatment Program. When you register at the desk, you'll receive directions to Outpatient EEG Services.
Appointments
To make an appointment, call our Central Scheduling Department at 713-456-5150.
Outpatient EEG Services
Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital
7600 Beechnut
Houston, Texas 77074
713-456-5150 (to schedule an EEG)
713-456-5218 (for questions about the test)
713-456-5167 (fax)
713-222-CARE (2273) for physician referral and information
About the Test
In an EEG, special sensors, or electrodes, are placed on the scalp over multiple areas of the brain to detect and record patterns of electrical activity. They are applied to the scalp with a conductive paste, after which a digital recording is made. You will not feel anything during the procedure, which normally takes 1 to 1½ hours to perform.
The test is performed by a registered EEG technologist. You'll be asked to relax on a bed or in a recliner. If you like, you may even sleep. We do not sedate patients for an EEG.
The technologist will apply 30 electrodes, which are flat metal disks, in different positions on your scalp. You will need to lie still with your eyes closed because any movement can alter the results.
Preparing for Your EEG
- Avoid any food or beverage that contains caffeine at least 8 hours before the test.
- Wash your hair the night before the test, and do not use any hair products (including conditioner, hair spray, mousse, gel or oil).
- Allow your hair to hang free, without braids, plaits or teasing. If you wear a hairpiece or wig, we'll ask you to remove it for the test.
EEG for Infants and Small Children
You may bring a blanket, favorite toy or bottle for young children or infants. The test should be scheduled at nap time, if possible, because we do not sedate patients. Normally, an EEG takes 1 to 1½ hours to perform but with infants and small children, the test may take longer.
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