Understanding Ambulatory and Routine EEG for Pediatric Patients: What Parents Need to Know
An EEG is a valuable tool for monitoring brain activity, particularly for diagnosing conditions like epilepsy, sleep disorders, or other neurological issues. Unlike a routine EEG, an ambulatory EEG allows kids to go about their daily activities at home while their brain waves are recorded over an extended period—usually 24 to 72 hours. While a routine EEG is 60 minutes and performed in our office.
If your child is scheduled for this test, here’s what you need to know to prepare and ensure a smooth experience.
What Is an Ambulatory EEG - and why does it matter?
An ambulatory EEG involves placing electrodes on your child’s scalp to monitor brain activity, just like the routine study. The difference is the child will wear a portable recording device in a small kids backpack that collects data while they engage in their usual activities, allowing for a more accurate assessment of their brain function in real-life situations. Sometimes a routine 60 minute EEG is just not enough data.
"The Right Test for Hard to Capture Symptoms"
Doctors may recommend an ambulatory EEG for several reasons, including:
Seizures that are difficult to detect during routine visits
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
What to Expect During The Ambulatory 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 or your child 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.
Setting You Up for Success
We send you home with a checklist on how to set everything up. Once at home, you will message us on our business line, and a technologist will log on remotely to ensure everything is running properly.
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 Smooth Experience
Stay Positive: Keep a positive attitude and encourage your child throughout the process. This can help reduce anxiety.
Plan Fun Activities: Help your child plan engaging activities during the monitoring period that won’t interfere with the equipment.
Comfort Items: Allow your child to bring a favorite toy or blanket for comfort during the test. Our tech will even wrap the child's favorite toy with the same colored gauze to help them feel at ease!
Conclusion
We understand that an EEG test can feel daunting, especially for kids. Our in-office experience is tailored to make children feel at ease, with gentle guidance and a supportive approach. Our skilled team uses kid-friendly techniques and tools to make the experience as easy and stress free as possible for both children and their families. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.
Reach Out to Our Team
Have more questions about ambulatory EEGs? Check out our FAQ page or reach out to our team for more information.
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