First EEG on Tuesday
 

As some of you know, I was in a bad car accident in March of 2011 and suffered a traumatic brain injury. Since then, I"ve had probably 6 instances where I've had lightning flashes across my field of vision for a few minutes and then feeling really tired afterwards.

My rehab doc sent me to a new neuro-opthomalogist to make sure that everything was structurally okay with my eyes. The neuro-opth thinks I am having seizure activity. She ruled out migraine aura as it does not seem to related to having or not having a headache or an increase in intensity of headache as it relates to my usual TBI headaches.

My rehab doctor scheduled an EEG for this coming Tuesday. I will then see her on Friday.

What should I expect for the EEG? How long do they last? Will they tell me that day if I am having seizure activity? What kind of questions should I ask? (I'm totally unfamiliar with this). I just want to make sure I get as much information as I can so I know how this will effect my TBI stuff.

Thanks in advance for your resposnes. I'm hoping if I know what to expect and what to ask, it'll reduce teh anxiety I have a little bit.

Mindy

Hi Mindy
My husband just had his first EEG done last week. It lasted approx. 20min. Took 20min. to hook him up to all the electrodes. Total time about 1 hour. First they have you relax, then they put a type of strobe light in your face with your eyes closed for a short time, then they have you breath rapidly for a short time and then rest again. They would not tell me anything there, and took about 3 days to have it read. His came back normal and my PCP told us that they usually do come back ok. The next step I'm guessing is a video EEG. Good Luck with your testing and take care.

Lisa

Hi Mindy,

Lisa and Darlene gave you some very good information. The Dr. may order bright flashing strobe lights along with the fast breathing also, the reason why the flash the lights is to see if a person is photosensitive which means certain colors of light may trigger a sz.
I will let you know that the e.e.g. will read 8 different areas of your brain and hopefully it will be able to pinpoint what area of your brain is triggering the possible sz.
I usually have 24-28 electrodes put all over my head and the electrical cream that they use to put the electrodes on your head can make your skin itch like crazy at times. Take my word when you get home you will want to wash your hair really good and you will feel a lot better. I wish you the best of luck and May God Bless You!

Sue

Thanks Ladies! I have a lot less anxiety knowing what to expect! I will post once I know the results. Thanks for all the prayers and good vibes!

Mindy~ How did your test go?

They had me blink my eyes a few times, which went fine.

Then they had me hyperventilate. I felt funny all over, but did not have lightning in my vision.

They did the strobe light twice. Oh lord!!! I never actually reached the point of my eyes doing the lightning thing, but I felt really close when they did the fastest strobe.... so I don't know.

They had me try to doze off, which I did for a few seconds here or there, but I sleep on my stomach, so I couldn't get comfortable enough to sleep.

I get the results on Friday.....

I hope you find some answers with the test. My husband is also having seizures. We think they are absence seizures. We see neuro Tuesday for the first time. Good luck with your upcoming appt.