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Having an EEG Test (photo description)

An EEG test helps your doctor to find out more about what is happening in your head.

Two photos of a person combing another person's hair and a plate of sausage egg and chips.

Before you come

Wash and dry your hair
Have your usual meals
Bring a comb.

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 EEG.

A healthcare worker sitting with a patient. They are filling out a form.

We will talk to your symptoms.

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

Next we will measure your head and mark it with a pencil.

A healthcare worker placing wires on a patient's head.

We will put 22 little wires on your head with cream and two on your arm. You will feel a little rubbing on your head but it does not hurt.

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

Sometimes we will put a net hat over the wires to keep them in place.

A patient sitting in a hospital room. They have wires on their head.

We like you to lie sown but some people can sit in a chair instead. Try to stay as still as you can.

A healthcare worker conducting a test on a patient. The patient in lying a a bed with wires on their head. The healthcare worker is sitting behind a computer with a clipboard.

Then we measure tiny signals from your brain. It takes about 20 minutes. You do not feel anything at all.

A patient lying on a bed with wires on their head. They have their eyes closed and look relaxed.

We will ask you to open and close your eyes and maybe take some deep breaths too.

A patient is lying on a hospital bed. They have wires connected to their head.

We may show you a flashing light.

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

Afterwards we will lift the wires off and wipe away the cream.

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

Then you can grab your comb to sort your hair. It’s them time to go 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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