Electroencephalography (EEG) in Kharkiv — Comprehensive Brain Function Assessment
Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive neurophysiological diagnostic method that records the electrical activity of the brain. This safe and painless procedure detects and analyzes brain wave patterns, providing critical information for the diagnosis of epilepsy, sleep disorders, encephalopathies, and various neurological conditions. EEG serves as a "window" into the functional state of the cerebral cortex.
Key Benefits of EEG at Brigid Center
Direct Assessment of Brain Function
Records electrical activity directly from the neurons of the cerebral cortex in real-time.
High Temporal Resolution
Detects changes in brain activity with millisecond precision.
Gold Standard for Epilepsy Diagnosis
The primary tool for detecting epileptiform activity and classifying seizure types.
Sleep Architecture Analysis
Allows for the evaluation of sleep stages, identifying sleep disorders and specific brain activity during rest.
Functional Brain Mapping
Helps localize epileptic foci and assess the function of specific cortical areas.
Dynamic Monitoring
Enables repeat studies to track disease progression or response to therapy.
What is Electroencephalography (EEG)?
EEG records the spontaneous electrical activity generated by billions of neurons in the cerebral cortex. Small metal discs (electrodes) are placed on the scalp according to the international 10–20 system, capturing voltage fluctuations. Recorded brain waves are classified by frequency ranges:
- Delta waves (0.5–4 Hz): Characteristic of deep sleep, but may also indicate trauma or metabolic disorders.
- Theta waves (4–8 Hz): Observed during drowsiness, meditation, in childhood, or in certain pathologies.
- Alpha waves (8–13 Hz): Recorded in a state of relaxed wakefulness with eyes closed.
- Beta waves (13–30 Hz): Reflect active thinking, concentration, or states of anxiety.
- Gamma waves (30+ Hz): Associated with higher cognitive processing and sensory integration.
When is an EEG Recommended?
Common Symptoms Requiring EEG Evaluation:
- Seizures or Convulsions of any type (focal or generalized).
- Unexplained Loss of Consciousness or frequent fainting spells.
- Episodes of Confusion, disorientation, or "absence" spells.
- Sleep Disorders (insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, nightmares).
- Headaches accompanied by neurological symptoms (migraine with aura).
- Memory Problems or cognitive decline without obvious causes.
- Abrupt Behavioral Changes in children or adults.
- Assessment of Comatose Patients or suspected brain death.
Diagnostic Applications:
- Epilepsy Diagnosis: Determining seizure types and identifying specific syndromes.
- Sleep Assessment: Diagnosing narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and parasomnias.
- Encephalopathy Evaluation: Metabolic, toxic, hepatic, or hypoxic origins.
- Differential Diagnosis of Dementias: Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, etc.
- Post-Traumatic Assessment: TBI, concussion, or anoxic brain injury.
- Inflammatory Processes: Suspected encephalitis or autoimmune brain disorders.
- Developmental Disorders: Supplemental diagnostics for ASD or ADHD.
Therapeutic and Monitoring Applications:
- Therapy Control: Evaluating the effectiveness of anti-epileptic drugs.
- Preoperative Evaluation: Localizing foci before surgical treatment for epilepsy.
- Neuromonitoring: Controlling anesthesia depth or patient status in ICU settings.
- Neonatology: Assessing brain maturation in premature infants.
- Biofeedback: Correcting conditions related to anxiety and ADHD.
What Can an EEG Detect?
Epileptic Activity
- Interictal discharges (spikes, sharp waves).
- Ictal patterns directly during a seizure.
- Specific patterns (e.g., hypsarrhythmia or 3 Hz spike-wave activity).
- Non-convulsive status epilepticus.
- Landau-Kleffner syndrome.
Sleep Disorders
- Anomalies in structure and sleep stage sequencing.
- Signs of narcolepsy (rapid transition to REM phase).
- Micro-arousals caused by sleep apnea.
- Parasomnias (sleepwalking, confusional arousals).
- Periodic limb movement disorder.
Encephalopathies and Coma States
- Signs of metabolic or toxic dysfunction.
- Specific waves characteristic of hepatic encephalopathy.
- Consequences of brain hypoxia and ischemia.
- Signs of prion diseases (Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease).
- Electrocerebral silence (used in confirming brain death).
Local Anomalies
- Focal slowing of rhythm in a specific area.
- Interhemispheric activity asymmetry.
- Effects of tumors or stroke consequences on the cortex.
- Post-traumatic and post-surgical functional changes.
How is a Standard EEG Performed?
Preparation and Measurement
A specialist measures the patient's head for precise electrode placement using the 10–20 system. Hair must be clean and dry. In some cases, a physician may prescribe the study following sleep deprivation.
Electrode Application
19–21 electrodes are applied to the scalp using a special conductive paste or gel. A comfortable electrode cap is often used. Additional sensors may be fixed to monitor eye movements and pulse.
The patient remains in a relaxed state with eyes closed. Baseline brain activity is recorded for 5–10 minutes. The technologist ensures that movements or blinking do not create interference (artifacts) in the recording.
Activation Procedures
To provoke latent anomalies, special tests are conducted: hyperventilation (deep breathing for 3–5 min) and photic stimulation (exposure to flashing lights of varying frequencies). If necessary, a sleep recording is performed.
Completion and Interpretation
The electrodes are removed, and any residual paste is easily washed away. The recording is analyzed in detail by a neurologist-epileptologist. An official report with clinical correlation of the findings is then prepared.
Modern EEG Equipment
Our neurophysiology laboratory utilizes advanced technologies:
- Digital EEG Systems: High-sensitivity amplifiers (ranging from 32 to 256 channels).
- Video-EEG Monitoring: Synchronized recording of patient behavior and brain activity.
- Portable Systems: Lightweight devices for long-term ambulatory monitoring.
- Quantitative EEG (qEEG): Computerized analysis with comparisons to normative databases.
- Advanced Filtering: Systems to eliminate muscle and cardiac interference for clean recordings.
- Source Localization: Software for precise mapping of the epileptic focus.
Our Expert Team
Your study is conducted and interpreted by certified specialists:
- Neurologists-Epileptologists: Physicians with high-level specialization in epilepsy.
- Clinical Neurophysiologists: Experts in interpreting complex EEG patterns.
- Experienced Technologists: Specialists who ensure ideal signal quality.
- Pediatric Neurologists: Doctors who account for age-specific brain development in children.
- Somnologists: Specialists in sleep architecture and sleep disorders.
Book an EEG Appointment in Kharkiv
Accurate diagnosis of functional brain disorders is the first step toward effective treatment. EEG remains an indispensable tool, providing unique data that cannot be obtained through MRI or CT scans. Our modern equipment and expert team guarantee high-quality diagnostics and a personalized approach.
Contact us today to schedule your examination or to consult on the clinical necessity of an EEG for your case.
Brigid Medical Center — Advanced Neurophysiological Diagnostics in Kharkiv.
Modern Technology · Leading Epileptologists · Child-Friendly Approach · Deep Expertise
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