Sleep Deprived EEG for Children
Your consultant has sent a request for you to have a sleep deprived EEG test in the Clinical Neurophysiology Department at Dorset County Hospital. If you cannot attend please telephone us on 01305 255255.
Patient information sheet – please complete and bring to your appointment
| Child’s name: Address: Date of birth: Telephone number: GP: Known medical conditions: Known allergies: | Current medication Date of last event (if applicable): Note: Further information may be needed during the appointment including: – Your child’s medical history – When the event (s) started – Description of event (s) – Frequency of event (s) |
| Next of Kin name: Parent / guardian: (Specify) address: Telephone number: | Attached test description (below) has been read: YES/NO This leaflet gives information and advice relevant to the test. It is important that you read it before attending your appointment. |
| Escort details Name: Relationship (for example partner/relative): | Consent A parent or legal guardian should accompany the child to confirm consent. Escorts We understand that you may wish to bring a family member/advocate to the appointment for support. We are happy to accommodate where appropriate, and will confirm that you are happy for that person to be present as we may need to discuss medical history. However In the interest of the test we only permit one additional person into the recording room. It is not advisable to bring children to the appointment. |
Please ensure you have read this information thoroughly. It is very important to understand the risks and benefits of a sleep deprived EEG, and we can only proceed with your consent.
What happens during the test?
It is similar to a routine EEG (electroencephalogram) but takes a little longer, up to 90-120 minutes. Your child’s head is measured, and leads are attached and only a little gentle rubbing is felt. Once the recording starts and your child is asked to open and close their eyes (if they are able to follow instructions to do so) several times but does not feel anything at all. We may ask your child to breathe deeply for three minutes and after this we will darken the room and encourage you to try and get your child to sleep/relaxed. After relaxation/sleep has been obtained we may show your child some flashing lights at the end. A digital video is recorded for technical reasons and to aid interpretation of the EEG.
What are the benefits of a sleep-deprived EEG?
Going without sleep mildly stresses the brain and so recording the EEG after sleep deprivation may give added diagnostic information. Also, if your child can fall asleep during the test, extra information may be gained from the brainwaves in sleep.
What are the risks of sleep deprivation?
There is a very slight risk of seizure from the sleep deprivation itself for some people. Performing the breathing exercise and flashing lights while sleep deprived carries a slightly higher risk than during the routine EEG, but these procedures are only offered where appropriate.
Why do you need written consent?
It is important to confirm your agreement to the test before your child is sleep deprived due to the small risk of triggering a seizure. You are also required to confirm that we have explained how and why we record and store the video.
So what do I do now?
You have already indicated your verbal consent to sleep deprivation and video. Now, please confirm this in writing by completing and returning the enclosed consent form either by the included envelope to Clinical Neurophysiology, Dorset County Hospital or scanning/take a picture and emailing it to neurophysiology@dchft.nhs.uk (if emailing please bring the original paperwork with you). In case of short notice appointments, you could bring the completed consent form with you to your appointment.
How do I prepare my child beforehand?
You need to either put your child to bed two hours later than normal and get them up two hours earlier than normal or put them to bed at their normal time but wake them four hours earlier than normal. The amount of sleep deprivation necessary varies between children, but you know your child best. Aim to arrive for the EEG appointment with your child extremely tired so he/she stands a good chance of sleeping during it. Also:
- Please wash and dry your child’s hair. Keep it free from all hair products such as gel, oils or spray
- Do not stop medication prescribed by your child’s consultant, unless you have been told to do so
- Please complete the patient information details overleaf and bring with you
- We suggest your child eats before, so he/she does not arrive hungry
- Avoid giving your child any food or drinks with caffeine in it
- Do not allow any snoozes/naps before the appointment.
I am tired too, should I drive?
No – due to supporting your child with sleep deprivation, you will also be likely to be sleep deprived, please make alternative arrangements to travel to and from hospital (we also suggest that someone is sat next to the child in the car to stop them from falling asleep where possible). On the day of the test any excessively sleep deprived person should not drive a car, operate machinery, sign any legally binding documents, or be responsible for young children.
What should we do after the test?
To minimise the risk of seizure following sleep deprivation your child (and yourself) should go straight home and catch up on sleep. It is unwise to plan a busy day or send your child straight back to school afterwards.
If you have any concerns after the test, please seek advice from your consultant.
When will I get my results?
Results are sent to the consultant who referred your child for the test. This usually takes two to three weeks.
Contact us
Please phone the department on 01305 255255 if you have any further questions.
About this leaflet
Author: Claire Bracey
Written: July 2022
Approved: July 2022
Review date: 2025
Edition: v1
If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk
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