Ambulatory EEG
Ambulatory continuous EEG monitoring, just like routine EEG, involves electrodes being placed on the scalp. It provides the doctor with a view of the patient’s brain wave activity over a longer amount of time, which increases the likelihood of detecting abnormal electrical brain activity. Ambulatory monitoring is sometimes chosen over inpatient V-EEG if the patient either does not want to be in a hospital or can’t leave home for a long admission. Additionally, at-home monitoring may be desired since it allows the patient to be in his/her typical environment in which spells occur. A slightly stronger adherent may be used to keep electrodes in place because they need to stay on for several days. EEG data is recorded in a small box that the patient carries with him/her throughout the duration of the study. The patient is given instructions on how to push the event button to mark when a seizure occurs. A seizure diary (Event Log) is also used in which to record any events that the doctor should know about. The electrodes are removed after a pre-determined evaluation period (usually 24, 48, or 72 hours) and the doctor then interprets the study based on the recorded information.