HF 6598

Pediatric Outpatient Video EEG (Electroencephalogram)

Name ____________________________________________________

Appointment Date __________________________________________

Appointment Time __________________________________________

Coming for Your EEG

  • Your EEG is in the EEG lab, J module/ 2nd floor of University Hospital and Clinics 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792

  • Registration is on the main floor as you make your way on ‘Main Street’ to the EEG lab in the J module. Registration will be on your right-hand side.

  • After registration, continue right on ‘Main Street’ through the H elevator lobby to the J lobby.

  • Please check in at the Neurodiagnostics/ EEG desk.

  • If this is your child’s first visit to the UW Hospital and Clinics, please allow extra time to check-in. Volunteers at the main desk can direct you.

What is an EEG?

This test helps us find out more about the kind of seizures or events your child may be having. During the test, your child’s actions and behaviors are recorded by a camera. This is paired with an EEG recording of your child’s brain wave activity. Sometimes, movements may look like seizures, but they are not. If your child has seizures, this study will help us learn how strong they are and how often they occur. It will also help us find out what part of the brain the seizures are coming from.
This test will also help us decide if your child is having silent seizures. These are seizures that occur without any physical signs. Changes can be seen on the EEG with this type of seizure.
The test is painless. There will not be any shots or special medicines used. Small metal disks will be placed on your child’s scalp. Your child’s hair will be moved out of the way. These disks will be held in place using special paste, made just for this test.
. We will wrap your head and the wires with a gauze bandage to keep them secure for the day.

The time needed for an outpatient video EEG may be from 2 to 8 hours.

  • Try to arrive 15 minutes before scheduled test time.

  • You and your child will be in a large, comfortable room for the day. There will be a TV/VCR/DVD for your use. Please feel free to bring other items to keep your child and yourself occupied: books, cross word puzzles, movies, videos, an iPAD or tablet. Remember to bring your charges for any electronics you bring.

  • An adult must always be with your child.

  • Your child’s hair must be clean for this test. Wash it the night before or in the morning. Do not apply a lot of conditioners, gels, or sprays.

  • If the test is ordered as ‘Sleep Deprived’, try to keep your child up as late as you can the night before. See the Health Facts for Sleep Deprived EEG #4207.

  • You may purchase food items from the cafeteria or you can bring your own snacks from home.

  • You and your child will remain in the video EEG room for the duration of the test. There is a restroom attached to the testing room that you can use.

  • When the test is complete, the disks and paste will be removed with warm water and baby shampoo if needed.

After the Procedure

The final report on your EEG will be sent to your referring and/or primary doctor within a few days. They will discuss the results of the test with you and suggest treatment, if needed.

Insurance

  • This test may require pre-authorization from your insurance company.

  • Not all insurance companies will pay for this.

  • Please call your insurance to find out if this test is covered.

  • You may also need a referral from your primary doctor. If so, ask your
    primary doctor for this and send it to the insurance company. This will need to be done as soon as possible.

  • It often takes 2-4 weeks to find out about coverage. The insurance company will contact you after they make their decision.

  • Because this process can be very complex, feel free to contact the HMO desk at (608) 263-8773, if you have any question or need help with your insurance.

Who to Call

If you have any questions about the test, please call:

EEG lab at (608) 263-8483

UW Health Pediatric Neurology Nurse
(608) 890-6500

Toll- free 1-800-323-8942. Ask for the Pediatric Neurology Clinic.

Questions or Concerns

If you have any questions or if you need to change the date or time of the test, please call the EEG lab at (608) 269-8483.

Toll-free
1-800-323-8942. Ask for the EEG lab.