Electroencephalogram: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Electroencephalogram?
A neurologist, a doctor who treats brain and nerve conditions, is the usual specialist for an electroencephalogram. A specially trained healthcare professional usually runs the test, and a specialist analyzes the recording. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
An electroencephalogram, or EEG, is a test that records electrical activity in your brain. Brain waves are faster when you are awake and slower in certain stages of sleep. Small silver discs called electrodes are stuck to your scalp, and wires link them to a recording machine.
Why a doctor might recommend it
A healthcare professional may refer you for an EEG to diagnose or monitor a brain condition. The main condition it is used for is epilepsy. It can also be used for sleep conditions and for encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain. It can also be used for the following.
- Seizures
- Head injuries
- Behavioral changes
- Coma
Video may be used with the EEG to learn the nature of a person's seizures and to rule out other disorders that may look like epilepsy.
How to prepare
A healthcare professional will tell you if you need to do anything else to prepare. Common steps include the following.
- Have clean, dry hair with no products like gel or wax.
- Remove any weaves, braids, or wigs before the test.
- Avoid all food and drinks with caffeine for 8 hours before the test.
- Your provider may want you to stop some medicines first, so do not change or stop any medicine until you talk to your provider.
- Tell the person doing the EEG if you want a chaperone. This could be someone you know, a nurse, or a trained member of staff.
What happens during it
You sit or lie down. A healthcare professional measures your head and marks your scalp where the electrodes will go. While the machine records, you may be asked to open and close your eyes, breathe deeply for a few minutes, or look at a flashing light. There are several types of EEG, and how long they take depends on the type.
- Sleep EEG: done in hospital while you are asleep
- Sleep-deprived EEG: done after you have been asked not to sleep for some time the night before
- Ambulatory EEG: you wear a portable recording machine during your usual daily activities
- Video telemetry EEG: a video is recorded during the test, usually over a few days in hospital
Recovery
When the test is done, the electrodes are removed and your scalp is cleaned. You will usually be able to go home and carry on with your usual activities. A specialist has to analyze the recording, so results may take a few days or weeks. You may need a follow-up appointment to talk about your results.
Risks and side effects
An EEG test is very safe. Flashing lights or fast breathing during the test may trigger seizures in people who have seizure disorders. The person performing the EEG is trained to take care of you if this happens. A normal EEG does not mean that a seizure did not occur. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, fainting or loss of consciousness, a change in mental status such as confusion, or inability to speak. A seizure that lasts more than five minutes is also an emergency, so call 911.
Who performs it
An EEG is usually done by a specially trained healthcare professional at a hospital. An EEG technologist may also do the test in a provider's office or a lab.
Common questions
Is an electroencephalogram safe?
Yes, an EEG test is very safe. The flashing lights or fast breathing used in the test may trigger seizures in people with seizure disorders.
When will I get my EEG results?
It may take a few days or weeks to get your results. If you have not heard anything after a few weeks, contact the doctor who referred you.
Can someone stay in the room with me during an EEG?
Yes, you can ask for a chaperone. This could be someone you know, a nurse, or a trained member of staff.
Does an electroencephalogram hurt?
No, an EEG is painless.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Ask a healthcare professional if you have questions about your results or do not understand them.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - EEG
- NHS - EEG (electroencephalogram)
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - Epilepsy and Seizures
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
