Electroencephalogram (EEG)

The steps of your EEG will vary depending on which type of test you’re having.

Routine EEG

Your consultant will lead your EEG appointment and walk you through the process.

First, they’ll apply sticky removal discs to your head. These will detect and record your brain activity. 

Then, the EEG can begin. It will record your brain activity for around 20 to 60 minutes (depending on what you’re being tested for).

After recording your brain activity, the specialist will carefully remove the pads, and you can resume your usual daily activities immediately.

Sleep EEG or sleep-deprived EEG

Sometimes, you may need an overnight study, such as a sleep study or sleep EEG. These involve taking equipment home with you to record your brain activity over a longer time – up to 4 days.

In an overnight study, we’ll fit the discs and send you home or to a hotel to monitor your brain activity when you sleep. You must return to our outpatient clinic the following morning to meet your consultant, who will remove the discs and collect the data.

We also offer a sleep-deprived EEG. This is where you’re asked to stay away for 1 night before the test.

EEGs are entirely safe for all age groups. They cause no side effects and are non-invasive. 

The discs attached to your head don’t emit anything; they simply detect your brain’s electrical signals. 

You should be able to return to your everyday activities as soon as your EEG is over.

Preparing for an EEG is simple. Unless you’re told otherwise, you can eat and drink as usual and continue your regular medications.

Attending your appointment with clean, dry hair that’s free from products, such as gels and serums, is helpful. It helps the discs stick to your scalp, which ensures the most accurate results.

We suggest bringing a hairbrush or comb, as your hair may be messy once we remove the discs. Some people bring a hat or cap to cover their hair after the EEG, as the adhesive can leave some residue.

We’ll tell you if there’s anything specific you need to do before your appointment. You can also contact us beforehand with any questions.

You shouldn’t need to follow any special instructions for recovery or aftercare after an EEG.

Depending on your EEG results, we will advise on any further testing needed and the next steps to support your health and diagnosis. Your consultant will let you know if and when you’ll need any follow-up appointments.

Please contact our Neurology team for pricing information.

We accept self-paying patients and those with private medical insurance, so you can access the medical care you need.

At Welbeck, our neurologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book an EEG, you must be referred by either your GP or a neurologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a neurologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.