ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM (EEG)

A test used to evaluate the electrical activity in your brain. It can help detect potential problems with brain cell communication.

EEG are used to confirm or rule out various conditions, including:

• seizure disorders (such as epilepsy)
• head injury
• encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
• brain tumor
• encephalopathy (disease that causes brain dysfunction)
• sleep disorders
• stroke
• dementia

When someone is in a coma, an EEG may be performed to determine their level of brain activity. The test can also be used to monitor activity during brain surgery.