EEG/elektroencephalography
Electroencephalography is a method that records the electrical activity of the cerebral cortex from the surface of the scalp. It is used as a supportive diagnostic tool in various conditions such as epilepsy, disorders of consciousness, headaches, neurodegenerative diseases, neuroinfections, brain tumours, consequences of brain injury, postoperative monitoring and more.
The examination is performed by a trained nurse in our EEG laboratory.
⭐ Is the examination painful?
No — the procedure is completely painless. It consists of placing a cap with electrodes on the head and applying a special conductive gel to the scalp. A standard native EEG recording takes approximately 45 minutes including preparation. An EEG performed after sleep deprivation also takes about 45 minutes.
The examination is carried out while lying down. The nurse will guide you through the procedure — for example, when to close or open your eyes, breathe through your nose or mouth. Photostimulation (flashing light with eyes closed) is also used.
EEG is safe for pregnant women and for patients with a pacemaker.
⭐ Before the EEG examination, we recommend:
- Wash your hair and scalp the evening before the examination; do not use hairspray, mousse or gel.
- Do not take sleeping medication the night before the examination.
- Arrive sober and well‑rested.
- Bring a towel with you on the day of the examination.
⭐ Preparation for sleep‑deprived EEG
For patients scheduled for sleep‑deprived EEG, the preparation is as follows:
The patient must stay awake the entire day before the examination.
From 00:00 to 04:00, the patient may sleep.
Report significant fatigue or sleepiness to the nurse before the examination.
⭐ EEG as part of dementia screening
We also offer EEG as part of our basic dementia assessment programme, which includes:
clinical neurological examination
cognitive testing
EEG
—all performed in one place.
FAQ
1. Does the EEG examination hurt and is it safe?
An EEG is a completely painless, non-invasive, and safe examination. The device does not emit any electrical current or radiation into your body—it functions as a sensitive receiver (antenna) that only passively records the natural electrical activity of your brain. There are no worries; the examination is also suitable for pregnant women and patients with pacemakers.
2. How does the EEG examination work?
The nurse will place a special cap on your head, apply a small amount of conductive gel into its openings. Then, you will lie comfortably on an examination couch.
- Most of the time, you will have your eyes closed and will rest quietly.
- During the examination, the doctor or nurse will ask you to follow simple instructions: open and close your eyes, breathe deeply wih your mouth/nose (hyperventilation), or flashes of light (photostimulation). These maneuvers help reveal hidden changes in brain activity.
3. How long does the entire visit take?
The EEG recording itself standardly takes 20 minutes. The entire visit to the clinic, including putting on the cap, applying the gel, the measurement itself, and subsequent removal of the cap, takes approximately 40 to 45 minutes. The EEG recording after sleep deprivation takes about 40 minutes.
4. How should I properly prepare for the EEG examination?
Preparation is key to the quality of the recorded baseline:
- Wash your hair: Wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo the night before or the morning of the exam.
- No styling products: After washing, do not apply any hairspray, gel, mousse, wax, or oils to your hair. Your hair must be clean and dry.
- Medication and food: Eat normally before the examination and drink enough fluids (fasting can alter the EEG curve). Take all your regular medications unless the doctor has explicitly told you otherwise.
- Coffee and energy drinks: On the day of the exam, please avoid coffee, strong tea, energy drinks, and alcohol, as these substances directly affect brain activity.
5. What do I do with the gel in my hair after the exam?
We use a modern, water-soluble gel. After the exam, the nurse will remove the cap, and you can easily wipe the gel from your hair with a towel (Please bring a towel with you). The gel does not dry into a hard crust, and you can easily wash the rest out at home with regular shampoo. If needed, feel free to bring a comb to restyle your hair afterwards.