Sedation for your Child’s EEG
Your child will soon be coming to Kingfisher Ward East Wing Entrance 1 Level 2 at Dorset County Hospital for an EEG test with Sedation. The appointment can take up to three hours.
On the morning of the test please phone Kingfisher Ward on 01305 254253 to confirm you are coming and that the room is available.
If you decide you do not want your child to have the test, please telephone Clinical Neurophysiology on 01305 255255 to let us know so the appointment can be offered to another person.
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. |
What is a sedation EEG test?
It is a recording of the natural electrical activity of the brain taken after giving light sedative medication to encourage your child to relax/sleep as your child may have been unwilling/unable to have the test while awake. Also, recording when asleep may give information not previously seen when in an awake recording. There are limited sedatives available to use during an EEG. Chloral Hydrate is the most likely to be given.
What should we do beforehand?
- Keep your child up as late as you can the night before and wake him/her up very early on the day of the EEG (and keep them awake on journey to the appointment)
- Wash and dry your child’s hair, keep it free from all hair products such as gel, oils, or spray
- Please do not stop any prescribed medication, unless you have been specifically told to do so by your paediatric consultant.
- Your child should not have any solid food for six hours before the appointment time (sips of clear fluid can be given up to two hours before the appointment time, avoid drinks containing caffeine)
- Bring a favourite bed-time comforter if you like (or anything else that will help to settle your child).
Where do we go when we arrive?
Please go straight to Kingfisher Ward where the test will take place.
How is the sedative given?
A nurse will take verbal consent from a parent/legal guardian for the sedation to be given. It is usually given orally in a drink or a medicine syringe and usually takes about 20-60 minutes to work and if necessary, a top-up dose may be given later.
How do you encourage relaxation/sleep?
We try to ensure a quiet, peaceful environment. A baby or young child may like to cuddle on an adult’s lap or lie on a bed if they prefer. We will darken the room and wait until your child is drowsy or asleep before the EEG test begins.
What happens during the test?
When your child is very drowsy or has gone to sleep, we may measure their head and gently apply up to 23 wires to the scalp using a water-soluble paste; there is only a little gentle rubbing. Then, a computer records the brainwave activity for about 20 to 30 minutes and a video also records the test. Afterwards the wires are removed, and you can tidy your child’s hair. The paste washes out easily afterwards.
Why do you record a video?
Digital video is recorded for technical reasons and to aid interpretation. Only sections that aid interpretation are kept. You will be asked for your consent for us to record the video.
How long will the test take?
Please allow at least three hours at the hospital. It is impossible to be exact as all children are different and it depends upon how long it takes your child to settle to relax/sleep. Once we start the EEG it usually takes about an hour.
What happens if my child does not sleep?
We always strive to achieve the best result we can for each child, sedation is not always requested to acquire sleep but also to relax your child enough to obtain a recording (if they have been unable to tolerate a routine EEG previously).
Are there any side effects? There are no side effects from recording an EEG, possible side effects from the sedation will be discussed by the ward staff on Kingfisher.
When will we get the results?
Results are sent to the consultant who requested 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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