Having a sleep deprived EEG and not been told anything

Brain and nerves
1

All letter says is don't go to sleep before 12 and get up at 3am, important fall asleep.

No idea of what the test involves or what will happen if I don't sleep, so am terrified and hoping someone can help with one or both parts of this question

2

I have had one of these done. I was scared most of the night bc i was afraid i would seize up and no one was staying up with me. Distract your mind with something and just dont fall asleep. It will make the entire test invalid. They are trying to push you to the edge to see activity at its worst. Im sorry your going through that if ivwas with u id watch out for u. I had another seizure yesterday and i was alone scariest feeling in the world.

3

I am afraid of what will be done at the test and that as it says important fall asleep at test what happens if I don't.

No-one will be with me either overnight, travelling to and from the test on public transport or at the hospital itself.

I know nothing at all about this test and seeing it at it's worst seems to be saying this will cause a fit. I'm terrified

 

4

They would like you to fall asleep to compare your brain waves between being awake and being asleep. During these two times, your brain waves have a certain pattern that they should follow. The EEG tests for abnormal waves. Some people have seizures during sleep. They will also have you close your eyes and flash a strobe light to see if that triggers a seizure. There will be a technician in the room with you monitoring the computer and asking you questions.

5

Thanks for your reply. It is unfortunatly highly unlikely I will fall asleep so I presume that means failure and can't do it

6

I didn't fall asleep during mine. The tech said it was OK, they just prefer you to fall asleep.

7

Thanks it was freaking me out that says important do on letter.

Mind if I ask if it was painful or invasive as I have been told nothing at all.

Thanks

8

They stick electrode pads on your head and by your face. It's not painful at all. I don't know if you've ever had an EKG; it's like that only for your head. You will have some of the glue in your hair after they take them off, but it comes out in the shower. Mine lasted an hour. I just lied there and relaxed except when I had the seizures. The tech I had was very nice so that helped.

9

Thanks. Had ECG other day but no idea what EKG is.

10

ECG and EKG are the same thing. It is an electrocardiogram, but it was originated in Germany so they spell it electokardiogram.

11

OK. So the electrodes are not uncomfortable metal that will dig in but just sticky pads?

12

Yes. They are pretty much the same as the pads for an ECG except stickier since they have to stick to hair. You barely feel them except the ones by your forehead, but they don't hurt.

13

Thanks for your help as I've been trying for a week to get these answers from the technician but he hasn't bothered to ring and never answers his phone, looked at my mobile and the last two days alone have made 116 calls to them, none of which were answered

14

No problem. I know it's scary not knowing what is going to happen. Make sure your hair is washed and dry and don't wear any hair products in it or they won't stick.

15

Their communication is such not even told me that, as I said in original post "All letter says is don't go to sleep before 12 and get up at 3am, important fall asleep.", anything else I need to know?

16

Are you on any medications for seizures?

17

Oh yeah, no caffeine for 24 hours prior.

18

Epilim (sodium Valproate) for at least 25 yrs. Neurologist at that time said here's a prescription and discharged me from his clinic.

This Neurologist has added Keppra as lamotrogine, which my GP put me on was causing ataxia.

Last EEG was at 16 and showed epilepsy, I'm now 49, it was lost so no EEG's exist.

19

Ok, you can take all your medications.

20

Thanks, was wondering