EEG (Electroencephalogram) in Dubai

EEG (Electroencephalogram) in Dubai

An electroencephalogram, more simply known as an EEG, is a non-invasive method of diagnostic testing that “records the electrical activity of the brain. The electrodes fixed on one’s head pick up the electrical brain signals which are then transmitted in the form of waves to a recording machine. The resulting wave pattern provides neurologists accurate and immediate insight into brain activity.

How Does an EEG Work?

Brain cells, or neurons, communicate through the generation of tiny electrical impulses. These electrical fields are then transmitted through the skull to the scalp surface. Electrodes are positioned on the scalp to pick the signals and pass on these data to a computerised system which then amplifies and presents the signals in the form of waves and patterns – known as EEG recording.

Why is an EEG Test Done?

An EEG is thus suggested when a patient presents symptoms that could point to abnormal brain electrical activity. It diagnoses and monitors various neurological conditions, such as; 

  • Epilepsy and seizure disorders — The primary and most common indications for an EEG
  • Unexplained episodes of altered consciousness, blackouts, or staring spells
  • Brain infections such as herpes encephalitis or viral meningitis
  • Encephalopathy — Diffuse brain dysfunction caused by metabolic, toxic, or structural factors
  • Stroke evaluation, particularly to detect secondary complications such as non-convulsive seizures
  • Sleep disorders, including the assessment of abnormal movements or events during sleep
  • Brain tumours, to assess their electrical impact on the surrounding brain tissue
  • Head injuries, to evaluate post-traumatic brain dysfunction
  • Monitoring patients in the ICU or under medically induced coma — Continuous EEG is used in critically ill patients to detect non-convulsive seizures and guide anaesthesia levels
  • Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease — A rare but serious degenerative brain condition

An EEG may also be used to confirm brain death in patients who are in a coma and unresponsive to all stimuli.

Types of EEG Tests

There are  different types of EEG tests, and the most appropriate one will be chosen based on the clinical question and the patient’s individual case. 
Routine EEG – A standard EEG recording session which lasts for 20 to 40 minutes and is usually conducted at a clinic or hospital. “Brain activity is registered in the rest-state and during minor activation measures, such as hyperventilation or photic (light) stimulation”.
Sleep-Deprived EEG – The patient is required to get less sleep than usual the night before the test. Sleep deprivation may activate epileptic discharges, which may not be evident on a routine recording, thereby increasing the diagnostic yield.
Sleep EEG -Conducted naturally during sleep, it measures the activity of specific brain waves during various sleep phases. This form is particularly helpful when seizures occur at night or immediately after the transition to wakefulness or sleep. 
Prolonged or Extended EEG – A recording lasting several hours, used when a routine EEG has been inconclusive or when more sustained monitoring is required.
Video EEG (Video Telemetry) – This test combines simultaneous video recording with the EEG. This is the most informative type, as it allows the neurologist to correlate physical movements and clinical symptoms with the electrical brain activity at the exact same moment. It is essential for epilepsy surgery planning and for distinguishing epileptic seizures from non-epileptic episodes.
Ambulatory EEG – A portable EEG device that the patient wears for 24 to 72 hours or longer while going about their daily routine. It captures brain activity over an extended period and is useful for detecting infrequent events. However, it does not include video monitoring and is less precise than inpatient video EEG in differentiating epileptic from non-epileptic events.
ICU or Continuous EEG Monitoring – It is used in hospital settings for critically ill patients who cannot communicate. It allows continuous surveillance for non-convulsive seizures that may go undetected without EEG monitoring.

How to Prepare for an EEG

Preparation is straightforward. Following these steps will help ensure the best quality recording:

  • Wash your hair the night before or on the morning of the test. Do not apply any conditioner, hair gel, serum, spray, or styling product, as these create a barrier between the electrodes and the scalp, reducing the accuracy of the recording.
  • Continue taking your regular medications unless your neurologist has specifically asked you to stop or modify them. Do not stop epilepsy medications without medical advice.
  • If a sleep-deprived EEG has been requested, you will be instructed to sleep fewer hours than usual the night before. Follow the specific guidance given by your doctor.
  • Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks) for at least 8 to 12 hours before the test, as it can affect brain wave patterns and make it harder to fall asleep during a sleep EEG.
  • Eat a normal meal before the test. Arriving hungry can cause low blood sugar, which may affect the recording.
  • If sedation may be used, arrange for someone to drive you home. You should not drive or operate heavy machinery on the day of the procedure if a sedative has been administered.

What to Expect During an EEG

Before the Test

On arrival, the EEG technician will explain the procedure and address any concerns. Your head will be measured and specific points on your scalp will be marked using a pencil to ensure the electrodes are placed in the standardised positions. These spots may be gently scrubbed with a mildly abrasive cream to improve electrical contact between the electrodes and your skin.

During the Test

The electrodes – small, flat metal discs – are then attached to your scalp using a conductive gel or adhesive paste. In some cases, an elastic cap fitted with pre-positioned electrodes may be used instead. The electrodes are connected by wires to the EEG machine, which amplifies and records the signals.

The procedure is entirely painless. The electrodes do not deliver electricity – they only detect and record your brain’s naturally occurring electrical activity.

Once the electrodes are in place, you will be asked to recline comfortably and keep as still as possible, as movement and muscle activity can create interference in the recording. The technician will guide you through a series of simple tasks:

  • Resting with eyes closed – The baseline recording
  • Opening and closing your eyes on command
  • Hyperventilation – Breathing deeply and rapidly for about 3 minutes. This temporarily changes brain chemistry and can provoke abnormal electrical activity in susceptible individuals
  • Photic stimulation – A strobe light is flashed at varying frequencies in front of your eyes. This can activate certain types of seizure activity
  • Drowsiness and sleep – If the test is designed to include sleep.
    A video camera records your body movements simultaneously with the EEG, allowing the neurologist to correlate any visible clinical events with the brain wave recording. This is a routine and important part of the EEG.A standard routine EEG takes between 20 and 40 minutes once the electrodes are in place. Sleep or prolonged EEGs take longer.

After the Test

Once the recording is complete, the technician removes the electrodes and cleans the gel from your scalp. If you did not receive a sedative, you will feel no after-effects and can return to your normal routine immediately – including driving and work.
If you were given a sedative, you should rest for the remainder of the day and arrange for someone to take you home. Do not drive until the sedative has fully worn off.

Risks and Safety

An EEG is a very safe and painless procedure. There are no electrical risks – the electrodes only measure brain activity and do not transmit any current into the body. The test does not involve radiation.

In rare cases, the hyperventilation or photic stimulation components may provoke a seizure in someone with a known or undiagnosed seizure disorder. This is sometimes intentional, as capturing a clinical event greatly aids in diagnosis. The test is always performed in a controlled clinical environment with trained staff available to respond appropriately if needed.

There are no long-term risks associated with an EEG.

Results

Following the recording, the raw EEG data is reviewed and formally reported by a neurologist with specialist training in EEG interpretation. The results are then communicated to the referring physician, or discussed directly with the patient at a follow-up appointment.

The EEG report will describe whether the brain wave patterns are normal or abnormal, and if abnormal, will characterise the nature and location of the irregularity. Normal EEG results do not rule out epilepsy, as some individuals have seizures without producing abnormal inter-ictal (between-seizure) discharges. Equally, some abnormal findings on EEG do not necessarily indicate epilepsy. The EEG must always be interpreted in the context of the patient’s full clinical picture.

Why Choose Dr. Amit Arora for Your EEG Test in Dubai

  • Specialist training in clinical neurophysiology — Dr. Arora completed the Comprehensive Clinical Neurophysiology and EEG Course at the Cleveland Clinic Epilepsy Centre, Ohio, USA — one of the world’s leading neurology institutions — further strengthening his technical and interpretive expertise in electrophysiology.
  • Internationally credentialed neurologist — He holds a Fellowship in Epilepsy from Centre of wxcellence in epilepsy at AIIMS, New Delhi, India. He also holds a Specialty Certificate (SCE) in Neurology from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), UK, along with a Fellowship of the European Board of Neurology (FEBN), demonstrating adherence to internationally recognised standards of neurological practice.
  • Extensive clinical experience in the UAE — With over 15 years of clinical experience, including 8 years in the UAE across Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Aster Hospital Dubai, Dr. Arora has extensive experience managing a wide range of Epilepsy and refractory seizure disorders in a diverse patient population.
  • Consulting at Fakeeh University Hospital — Dr. Arora consults at Fakeeh University Hospital, a reputed hospital known for maintaining high standards of specialist clinical care.