Long-Term Video EEG Monitoring
Provided in the comfort of your own home.
The EEG Test That's Making Waves
Integris Neuro is working with your doctor to bring the gold standard of Ambulatory Video EEG testing to you.
This type of testing was once only offered in hospitals or clinics. Now it can be done in the comfort of your own home with the same quality results found in high level medical centers.
How It Works:
Long-term Video EEG is ordered by your doctor for a specific number of days. Our specially trained EEG technologists come to your home and set up the testing equipment. 25 flat metal discs (electrodes) are applied to the scalp with medical type gel to record electrical activity of the brain. If your doctor wants you to have video testing as well, 4 video tripods will be set up to record your daytime and nighttime activities in addition to testing your brain waves.
When the test is finished, a technician will return to your home to remove the equipment. The discs are removed with warm water that loosens the gel without pain. The data is analyzed and turned over to your doctor for your results.
Is This Test Right For You?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my insurance cover the cost?
Integris Neuro is a preferred provider with most major insurance companies. Before your test is scheduled our Insurance Specialist will verify your insurance benefits and contact you if any pretesting deductibles are due.
What symptoms indicate that I might need this test?
Video EEG testing can be done for these complaints:
- Black Outs
- Lapses in time
- Dizzy Spells
- Staring Spells
- Migraines
- Tremors
- Memory Loss
What if I already had an EEG at my doctor's office?
Most EEGs done in the doctor’s office are called “Routine EEG’s” which is a short 30 minute test.
Research has shown that the longer the EEG test is performed, the better chance of finding the problem. That means that a Routine EEG might not have been long enough and you may need long-term Video EEG. It is common for Video EEG testing to be done over a 3 day period.
Does this test hurt?
No. This test is not painful. The electrodes are soft round metal discs that cushion the skin with paste. In some cases, patients have minor skin irritation.
What should I expect from the staff?
The Integris team has some of the most talented physicians and technologists in the country. All Set Up and Analyzing technologists are either Registered or board-ready by the American Board of Registration of Electroneurodiagnostic Technologists (ABRET). In addition, all members of the staff have been cleared by both state and federal screenings.
Our technologists and staff are used to handling all kinds of medical problems from patients of all ages. They are friendly and will be respectful of your condition.
When should you have video EEG testing?
Your doctor will want you to have your test as soon as possible. Since your test will happen over several days, our staff will try to work with your schedule. Testing can be done on weekdays or weekends.
TEST PREP
Has your doctor already ordered a long-term Ambulatory Video EEG?
Special Instructions
You have been scheduled for an electroencephalogram (EEG) which is a test to detect electrical activity of the brain. Your doctor may have scheduled you to have video testing along with your EEG.
Test Set Up
A technologist will arrive at your home to place electrodes on the scalp. The discs are held in place with a sticky paste and some medical-type gel. The electrodes are connected by wires to a small recording machine. This process will take between 2 to 3 hours.
Your doctor has scheduled your test to last for a specific number of days. A technician will return to your home at the end of testing to remove the equipment. During your entire testing, you will be able to contact our medical staff for questions or concerns.
Preparing For Your Test
- You will need to wash your hair the night before the test. Do not use any oils, sprays, or conditioner on your hair before this test. Make sure your hair will allow easy access to your scalp. No braids, ponytails, weaves, or wigs.
- Your doctor may want you to stop taking certain medications before the test. Do not change or stop medications without first talking to your doctor.
- You will want to wear a button-down shirt that opens in the front so you will be able to undress easily at night. You will not be able to take a shower throughout the duration of the test so it is wise to bathe beforehand with plenty of time before the setup technician arrives so that your hair is completely dry.
- You will not be able to engage in activities that will cause you to sweat, so certain activities will need to be avoided during the test.
-You will not be able to leave your home for the duration of the test. Plan accordingly prior to the start of your test.
- You will keep a daily diary to log activities that you normally do throughout the day such as eating, taking meds, sleeping or napping. The more accurate your diary, the easier it will be for your doctor to assess your study.
Preparing For Your Test
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the test feel?
This test is not painful. Having electrodes pasted to your skin may feel strange, but they only record the activity and do not produce any sensation. In rare cases some skin irritation may occur.
Will my family member or spouse be video taped?
If one of your family members happens to walk in front of one of the video cameras, they will be on the video briefly. However, the doctor is only interested in seeing you, the patient, when there are specific changes in your brain waves. So, even if your family member walks in front of one of the cameras, it would be very unlikely that the doctor would ever see that portion of the video recording.
What will be set up in my home?
There are four video tripods set up. One will be set up in the bedroom and aimed at the side of the bed where you will be sleeping so that your spouse will be excluded from the camera view. The others will be set up in the living room, or other areas where you spend most of your time.
What kind of prep do I need to do at my home before the test?
Please put away any pets before our technologist arrives.
Also make sure the technologist has access to wall outlets in the rooms where the tripods will be set up.