HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Why It Is Done
An Reference electroencephalogram (EEG) Opens New Window may be done to:
- Diagnose Reference epilepsy Opens New Window and see what type of seizures are occurring. EEG is the most useful and important test in confirming a diagnosis of epilepsy.
- Check for problems with loss of consciousness or Reference dementia Opens New Window.
- Help find out a person's chance of recovery after a change in Reference consciousness Opens New Window.
- Find out if a person who is in a coma is brain-dead.
- Study sleep disorders, such as Reference narcolepsy Opens New Window.
- Watch brain activity while a person is receiving general anesthesia during brain surgery.
- Help find out if a person has a physical problem (problems in the brain, spinal cord, or nervous system) or a mental health problem.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference May 8, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology |
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