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Having an Ambulatory EEG Test (photo description)

This leaflet explains what you need to know about having an ambulatory EEG test.

Two images - one of a person combing another person's hair and a white buttoned shirt.

Before you come

Wash and dry your hair
Do not wear a top with a tight neck, something that buttons up is better.

A person in a grey jumper at a reception desk. A sign reads 'Clinical Neurophysiology Reception, please wait here'.

Coming to the department

When you arrive, we will check you in.

A person sitting in a waiting room reading a magazine.

You will sit and wait a short while.

A healthcare worker is opening the door for a patient. Above the door reads 'Clinical Neurophysiology'.

Then you can come in for your Ambulatory EEG.

A healthcare worker is helping a patient prepare for a test on their head.

We will talk to your about your symptoms. Then we will measure your head and mark it with a pencil.

A healthcare worker is attaching wires to a patient's head to be able to perform a test. A machine is in the background.

We will put 23 little wires on your head with cream and glue and two on your shoulders. A puffer dries the glue quickly.

A person with wires connected to their head for a test in a hospital. A machine is in the background.

Sometimes we put a net hat over the wires to stop them falling off. Try not to touch them.

A medical device with lots of coloured wires.

The wires are plugged into an EEG box that records your brain waves.

A healthcare worker is talking a patient through a form. She is holding a pink pen.

The box fits in a shoulder bag. It can record your brain waves all the time. We give you a diary to write down what you are doing at home.

A healthcare worker waves goodbye to a patient in a hospital corridor.

We will show you how to look after the box when your go to bed at night. Then you can go home.

A healthcare worker welcomes a patient into a side room of a department.

When you come back the next day, we will see if the wires can be taken off. Sometimes they need to stay on for a second night.

A healthcare worker is helping to remove wires from the top of a patient head, using a cotton bud and liquid.

Then we will take the wires off. We use a special liquid to take the glue off. Try not to get it on your fingers.

A person standing in front of a mirror, combing his hair.

When the wires are off you can tidy your hair.

A healthcare worker welcoming a patient into a hospital department.

The it is time to go home. Remember to wash your hair as soon as you get home.

A healthcare worker showing a patient a trolley which contains a number of items.

Things we can do to help you feel relaxed

We explain everything to you
We show you what is going to happen
We give you plenty of time.

If you are worried about your appointment:

Visit – arrange to look around before your appointment
Support – bring someone your trust
Ask – ask us questions about your test
Tell us – if you are worried about your test, let us know.

A person holding a sign that says 'easy read' above images of various people interacting and smiling, with text lines below.

About this leaflet

Author: Monica Freeman
Written: June 2014
Approved: June 2014
Review date: June 2018
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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