As technology continues to advance, the field of neuroscience is benefiting from innovative approaches to brain monitoring. One such advancement is in-home EEG (electroencephalography), which allows individuals to monitor their brain activity in the comfort of their own homes. This blog post will explore what in-home EEG is, its benefits, how it works, and what you can expect from the process.
What is an Ambulatory EEG–and why does it matter?
An Ambulatory EEG is a long-term brainwave monitoring test that records your brain activity while you continue your normal daily activities. Instead of being confined to a hospital or clinic, you can go home and live your routine while the EEG device captures your brain’s electrical signals for 24-72 hours. This test is crucial for detecting intermittent or less obvious brain activity that may not appear during shorter, routine EEGs.
The Right Test for Hard to Capture Symptoms
Ambulatory EEGs are designed for those moments and symptoms that don’t fit neatly into a quick office visit.
Seizures that are difficult to detect during routine visits
Nocturnal episodes or seizures
Fainting or blackouts with no clear explanation
Sporadic neurological events that need long-term observation
Want the convenience of having your test done at home without sacrificing the quality of care? We've got you covered!
TWO WAYS TO MONITOR
YOUR BRAIN ACTIVITY
Continuous vs Intermittent EEG Monitoring
Continuous EEG Monitoring (cEEG)
Around the Clock Attention for High-Risk Patients
During Continuous EEG Monitoring, there is a registered EEG technologist monitoring your brainwave activity at all times. This method ensures that even the smallest changes in brain activity are monitored in real time, providing detailed data for your physician. Continuous monitoring is ideal for patients who are higher risk of seizures, such as those coming off of seizure medications.
Intermittent EEG Monitoring
Comprehensive Tracking with Scheduled Check-Ins
During Intermittent EEG Monitoring, your brain activity is continuously recorded for the entire duration of the study. However, instead of 24/7 monitoring, a technologist checks your brain activity every 60 minutes to review the data and ensure no abnormal activity has occurred. Intermittent EEG Monitoring is the most common, and ideal for patients who need long-term EEG monitoring but do not require constant real-time observation.
What to Expect During an In-Home EEG
A Warm Welcome
You’ll come to our office for an initial setup that typically takes 1.5 hours. During this time, we’ll explain how the equipment works, how to maintain a patient log and what button to press if you experience abnormal activity.
In-Office EEG Hookup
Using our gentle, safe adhesive paste (not the harsh collodion often used in hospitals), we will place 26 electrodes individually on your scalp, following the 10-20 measuring system. These
electrodes are secured with cotton and wrapped with gauze for comfort. For adults we have a fanny pack you'll wear and a small cartoon backpacks for pediatrics!
If at any time during the study, the headwrap becomes lose or electrodes no longer have good contact, the on call tech will meet with you to fix any issues in person.
Setting You Up for Success
We send you home with a checklist on how to set everything up. Once at home and complete the set up checklist, you will message us on our business line, and a technologist will log on remotely to ensure everything is running properly. We take it from there while you relax at home!
Remote EEG Monitoring
Our technologists will monitor your brain activity either continuously or intermittently, depending on your doctor’s recommendation. If any issues arise, we’ll immediately address them remotely.
Study Completion
Once your EEG study is complete, we can end the test remotely and you can dispose of the electrodes safely and easily at home. When you have time, you will return the recording equipment to the West Wave office. If you are uncomfortable removing them yourself, you can come to our office at a scheduled time to have the headwrap removed.
Tips for a Successful In-Home EEG Experience
Follow Instructions: Carefully follow any guidelines provided by your healthcare provider regarding device use and electrode placement.
Maintain a Routine: Try to stick to your normal activities and sleep schedule to ensure the data collected is as representative as possible.
Keep a Diary: Document any relevant experiences, symptoms, or activities during the monitoring period. This information can provide valuable context for the data analysis.
Communicate: If you have any concerns or questions during the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for support. You will have full support of our staff 24/7 via messenger and phone.
Conclusion
In-home EEG is revolutionizing the way we monitor brain activity, offering a convenient and effective alternative to traditional clinical setups. By allowing individuals to record their brain activity in a natural environment, this technology can lead to more accurate diagnoses and better understanding of neurological conditions. If you’re considering an in-home EEG, talk to your healthcare provider to see if it’s the right option for you or your loved one!
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