Ambulatory EEG monitoring
What is ambulatory monitoring?
Ambulatory monitoring involves recording brainwaves continuously
using a portable device.
How do I prepare for the test?
Please ensure your child has clean hair with no styling products
in.
The morning of the test you will need to call admissions on 0117
3428440 before you leave for the hospital to confirm that there is
a bed available for your stay.
What should my child wear?
Loose fitting clothes with wide necks are preferable. Tops
or pyjamas that button up or zip up are ideal.
What happens at the hospital?
The electrodes (wires with small discs on) will be stuck on the
head with a type of glue and a hat is placed over them.
These are plugged into a small computer that fits in a bag to be
worn by the child.
The entire set up can take up to 60 minutes.
The wires will be checked during the day and batteries changed
every 24hours.
You will be shown what to do when an event occurs and given a
diary sheet to document any events.
It is important that your child has someone with them the whole
time, partly as a companion, but also to alert staff to any
seizures or other events that occur. This person (or persons)
should be someone who knows your child and their medical history.
Please be aware only one person is able to stay overnight.
What activities can my child do during the
monitor?
Your child can not shower or bath during the monitoring and are
unable to wash or style their hair.
If your child has any books, games or DVDs they would like to
bring please do so. There is a play team and school team on the
ward, they will visit and are able to help.
Electronic devices can interfere with the EEG if on charge.
Please be aware and only use devices on battery.
What do I do as a parent or carer?
You will be asked to record and document events by writing
down on a diary sheet (this will all be explained when you come to
the hospital).
Please help to keep your child occupied as they may find the
proceedings very long.
What about medication?
Please continue as normal unless advised otherwise by your
doctor.
How long will the wires be on?
We will discuss on a daily basis with you and the doctors to see
if enough events are captured. You should pack for up to 5
days.
How will the electrode wires be taken off?
We use acetone which is similar to nail varnish remover. This
helps to break down the glue to remove the wires. The broken down
glue will then need to be washed and combed out.
Please bring shampoo and plenty of conditioner for this. A fine
tooth comb, such as a nit comb is the most efficient way of
removing the remaining glue.
What if my child doesn't have an event?
The recording will only be for a maximum of 5 days. If no event
or insufficient events captured a discussion will be had with the
medical team and yourselves as to whether to try again at another
date.
How will I get the results?
The information collected will be reviewed by a consultant
neurophysiologist and a report sent to the referring clinician.
