What shows the EEG of the brain in a child?
EEG of the brain in children is a monitoring of the functional activity of brain structures. The essence of such a diagnosis is the recording of electrical potentials of the medulla. As a result of this method of investigation, a set of visual curves or an electroencephalogram is obtained, which is a reflection of the work of the brain. With her help, the doctor will be able to objectively assess not only the state of the functional activity of the child's brain, but also its development during the first few years of life. In addition, if the baby has any pathology from the central nervous system, this method can reveal violations of bioelectric activity of brain structures.
In which cases is EEG assigned?
The most commonly EEG of the brain is assigned to a child in the following situations:
- To diagnose any seizures and seizures;
- To assess the effectiveness of the treatment for epilepsy;
- In case of brain trauma or in the presence of any neoplasms;
- with disturbance of cerebral circulation;
- to assess the bioelectrical activity of brain structures in infants with a severe developmental delay and serious psychoemotional abnormalities.
How is electroencephalography performed in children?
This procedure is carried out in a small darkened room. A special cap is put on the child's head. Directly on the skin, electrodes attached to the encephalograph should be placed, which will register the electrical potentials of the child's brain. Before applying, each electrode is abundantly moistened with a special water-based gel so that an air layer does not form between it and the scalp.
In addition, in some cases, skin areas to which electrodes are applied are pre-wiped with cotton wool soaked in alcohol. This is done to remove excess sebum, which makes it difficult to conduct weak electrical impulses. On the ears of the child wear special soft clips, which before that are moistened with ordinary water.
For the youngest children, who can not yet explain that during the study it is necessary to move as little as possible, the EEG is most often performed during sleep in the supine position, on the hands of the mother or on the changing table. Boys and older girls go through this method of diagnosis, sitting on a chair or couch, without changing the position of their head during the entire study.
Many mothers are interested in whether the EEG of the brain is harmful to the baby. This method of diagnosis is completely safe and will not cause your son or daughter absolutely no harm.
How to prepare a child for the EEG of the brain?
No special preparation for this method of research is required, however, the night before the baby must be bathed, so that his head was clean. In addition, you should work with the doctor to choose the time for the procedure, so that the child is as calm or asleep. Thus it is necessary to consider, that diagnostics are spent approximately 20 minutes.
How to decipher the EEG of the brain in children?
Decoding of EEG results in children can only be done by an experienced doctor.
Do not be afraid of the diagnoses that may be indicated in this conclusion. The nervous system of each child undergoes major changes along with its growth, so the EEG picture after a while may be completely different.