Electroencephalography (EEG) in children

EEG is often recommended for children in the following situations: Epilepsy and seizures: If a child has seizures or is suspected of having epilepsy, EEG can detect abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Sleep disorders: If a child has difficulty sleeping or is suspected of having sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. Developmental delays: If a child shows delays in development, EEG can help identify neurological causes. Unusual behavior: For sudden changes in a child’s behavior or unusual episodes of loss of consciousness, EEG can help in diagnosing the issue. Head injuries: After serious head injuries, EEG can assess potential changes in brain activity.

EEG is completely painless. The child sits or lies down, and small electrodes are placed on the scalp, connected to the EEG device. These electrodes record the brain’s electrical activity. Placing the electrodes takes a few minutes, and a cap with built-in electrodes may be used.

The child may be awake or asleep during the recording, depending on the purpose of the test. The recording usually lasts from 20 minutes to an hour. To ensure a successful recording, the child needs to remain still. Parents may be asked to bring toys or help gently lull the child to keep them calm. In some cases, EEG can be performed during sleep, especially if sleep disorders are suspected or if the child has nighttime seizures. Sometimes the child is asked to breathe deeply or light stimulation is used to provoke specific brain responses.

EEG is completely safe and non-invasive. It does not emit any radiation and does not hurt. Electroencephalography is widely used for diagnosing neurological disorders in children and has no known side effects.