Pediatric Electroencephalogram (EEG) Laboratory

The pediatric electroencephalogram laboratory – or EEG Lab – is a state-of-the art facility where young patients (from newborn to young adults) receive individualized attention and high-quality care. 

What Is an EEG and Why Is It Performed?

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test designed to measure the electrical activity in the brain of a patient. A doctor may choose to perform an EEG on a child for several reasons and often recommends them for children who have experienced seizures, have developmental delays or symptoms such as loss of consciousness, abnormal movements or behavioral concerns. 

Our EEG Services

Routine EEG/Diagnostic EEG for Pediatric Patients

A diagnostic EEG measures brain wave activity to evaluate different areas of the brain. Patients are asked to rest quietly during the test, which can take anywhere from 20 to 190 minutes. Patients may be asked to open or close their eyes from time to time. In most cases, the patient will also be asked to breathe in and out deeply (called hyperventilation) for a few minutes. The EEG is most helpful when it captures both wakefulness and sleep.

Long-Term Monitoring

EEG 2 to 12 hours/12 to 26 hours

To detect intermittent seizure activity, it is often necessary to monitor brain wave functions for up to 24 hours or more. The patient will also be monitored by video during the procedure. 

EEG CCTV (Televideo EEG)

This procedure may take up to 6 hours for pediatric patients. Patient must have someone accompany them and remain for the entire test. We allow a maximum of two visitors, depending on the COVID-19 hospital restrictions—please refer to the Lifespan visitation and Covid-19 policies.

While in a bed, the patient will have wires placed with a sticky "gel" on their head and be monitored on a video camera for the entire duration of the test. The room has a television with a DVD player and DVD movies. The patient may bring DVDs to watch as well as any books, toys, or activities to keep busy—provided the activity does not feature constant motion, such as handheld video games or tablets. 

Patients may also sleep during the study. The patient’s parent/caregiver will receive a courtesy box lunch provided by Rhode Island Hospital's cafeteria. Outside food is allowed, though it is suggested that parents or caregivers bring a cooler, as refrigeration is not available at this time. Food can also be purchased from the hospital cafeteria.

EEG Sleep-Deprived Exams

For all sleep deprivation studies, avoid taking any type of sleep medication unless advised by a referring provider. 

The EEG laboratory offers the following exams:

• Full Sleep-Deprived EEG: Patient goes to bed the night before the test until 12 a.m. (midnight), staying awake from 12 a.m. until arriving at the appointed time in the EEG Lab.
• Partial Sleep-Deprived EEG: Patient goes to bed the night before the test until 3 a.m., staying awake from 3 a.m. until arriving at the appointed time in the EEG Lab.
• Pediatric Sleep-Deprived EEG: Patient should go to bed one to two hours later than usual and get up one to two hours earlier than usual, staying awake until arriving at the appointed time in the EEG Lab.