Night EEG

When a procedure is necessary

Nocturnal EEG is prescribed in cases where standard diagnostic methods do not give a complete picture of the patient's condition. It is especially effective for detecting disorders that manifest themselves in sleep or are associated with sleep and wakefulness cycles. The main indications for this type of diagnosis include:

• Suspected epilepsy. It helps to identify epileptiform activity, which may be more pronounced during sleep, especially with night attacks.
• Diagnosis of sleep disorders. Identifying the causes of sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy or parasomnia (for example, nightmares or sleepwalking).
• Evaluation of neurological disorders. It is used in the diagnosis of encephalopathies, the consequences of traumatic brain injuries or strokes.
• Monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. Helps assess how drug therapy affects brain electrical activity in patients with epilepsy or other neurological diseases.
• Diagnosis in children. It is used to identify causes of developmental delays, seizures, or sleep-related behaviors.

The appointment of the examination is carried out by a neurologist, epileptologist or somnologist after a preliminary examination and analysis of the patient's complaints. It is especially important if the symptoms are predominantly at night or if their nature remains unclear after a standard EEG.

How the survey is done

Diagnosis is carried out in specialized medical centers or somnology departments. It requires some preparation and compliance with the doctor's recommendations to achieve accurate results.

For a successful night EEG requires some preparation. The patient is advised to get enough sleep to avoid excessive sleepiness, which can distort the results. For 24-48 hours before the study, the use of caffeine, alcohol and, in consultation with the doctor, certain medications should be excluded. It is necessary to remove any cosmetics from the hair, such as gels or varnishes. Further, the work is carried out according to the standard plan:

• A special gel is applied to the scalp of the patient and electrodes are fixed, usually 19-21. The electrodes are connected to an encephalograph that records the electrical activity of the brain.
• The patient sleeps in a comfortable environment, often in a darkened room. During sleep, the encephalograph continuously records data. If required, video monitoring is performed to match brain activity with physical manifestations, such as seizures or movements.
• After the recording is completed, the electrodes are removed, and the data is transmitted to the doctor for analysis. The patient can immediately return to normal life, as the technique has no side effects.

In some cases, the procedure is carried out at home using portable devices. This is convenient for patients who do not sleep well in hospital conditions. However, such studies require strict adherence to instructions and supervision by medical personnel.

Results of diagnostics

Data analysis is carried out by a neurologist or neurophysiologist. The results are a graphical image of the brain's electrical activity in the form of waves, which are classified by frequency, amplitude and other characteristics. The main aspects that are evaluated by a specialist include:

• Normal activity involving certain brain wave patterns corresponding to sleep phases in a healthy person.
• Epileptiform activity characterized by adhesions, light waves, or other abnormalities indicating epilepsy or a predisposition to it.
• Disorders in the structure of sleep, manifested in a deviation from the normal alternation of sleep phases, for example, too short or absent REM sleep, which may indicate somnological disorders.
• Pathological changes, including abnormalities associated with tumors, the consequences of injuries or inflammatory processes in the brain.

Correctly deciphered night EEG results help the doctor to establish an accurate diagnosis, choose an effective treatment or adjust the already prescribed therapy. In some cases, re-examination may be necessary to clarify the data or monitor the patient's condition.

If you have sleep-related symptoms or neurological complaints, contact Neuro-clinic. Qualified staff work with modern equipment, which ensures the accuracy of diagnosis, and affordable prices are another important advantage of our clinic.