Electroencephalography (EEG)
Electroencephalography (EEG) is a test that measures your brain wave activity. It is used to assess your brain function. Brain cells (or neurons) communicate by producing electrical signals. These signals are measured by the EEG and any abnormalities are detected.
The EEG is safe and painless.
What is EEG used for?
Your doctor may order this test to check for seizures or other brain problems. For this test, several small metal disks (electrodes) are attached to the scalp with adhesives, or with water-based gel or paste. During the test, wavy lines (waveforms) appear on a screen or on paper. They will be studied to assess your brain function. In some people who are prone to seizures, parts of this test may slightly increase their chance of having a seizure. Sometimes it is necessary to repeat an EEG with sleep deprivation. EEG may be performed in a doctor’s office or a hospital lab. The test typically takes less than an hour, although much of the time is spent attaching the electrodes.
Sometimes, the electrodes are left on for several hours or days so that the EEG test can record brain waves for a longer periods of time. In these cases, you may need to stay in the hospital or can go home with a portable EEG recorder.
Before your test
Prepare for your test as instructed. Wash and dry your hair. But, don’t use any hairstyling products. Your scalp and hair should be clean and free of excess oil. Take your routine medications, unless told not to. You may be asked to sleep during the EEG. To help you do this, you may be told to stay up all or part of the night before the test. Or, you may be given medication to help you sleep during the test. If so, someone will need to drive you home after the test. Your test will take about 60 minutes. Arrive with enough time to check in.
For your safety and for the success of your test, tell the technologist about:
– Any medications or herbs you take
– Any seizures you may have had in the past

What is this medicine?
ONABOTULINUMTOXINA (o na BOTT you lye num toxin eh) is a neuro-muscular blocker. This
medicine is used to treat crossed eyes, eyelid spasms, severe neck muscle spasms, ankle and toe
muscle spasms, and elbow, wrist, and finger muscle spasms. It is also used to treat excessive
underarm sweating, to prevent chronic migraine headaches, and to treat loss of bladder control due
to neurologic conditions such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury.
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or
clinic setting.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be
prescribed for children as young as 12 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• changes in vision
• chest pain or tightness
• eye irritation, pain
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• infection
• numbness
• speech problems
• swallowing problems
• unusual weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care
professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• bruising or pain at site where injected
• drooping eyelid
• dry eyes or mouth
• headache
• muscles aches, pains
• sensitivity to light
• tearing
What may interact with this medicine?
• aminoglycoside antibiotics like gentamicin, neomycin, tobramycin
• muscle relaxants
• other botulinum toxin injections
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• breathing problems
• cerebral palsy spasms
• difficulty urinating
• heart problems
• history of surgery where this medicine is going to be used
• infection at the site where this medicine is going to be used
• myasthenia gravis or other neurologic disease
• nerve or muscle disease
• surgery plans
• take medicines that treat or prevent blood clots
• thyroid problems
• an unusual or allergic reaction to botulinum toxin, albumin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or
preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor for regular check ups.
This medicine will cause weakness in the muscle where it is injected. Tell your doctor if you feel
unusually weak in other muscles. Get medical help right away if you have problems with breathing,
swallowing, or talking.
This medicine might make your eyelids droop or make you see blurry or double. If you have weak
muscles or trouble seeing do not drive a car, use machinery, or do other dangerous activities.
This medicine contains albumin from human blood. It may be possible to pass an infection in this
medicine, but no cases have been reported. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this
medicine.
If your activities have been limited by your condition, go back to your regular routine slowly after
treatment with this medicine.

EMG and NCS Tests
Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) are tests that measure muscle and nerve function. In most cases, both tests are performed. NCS is most often done first. You will be asked to lie on an exam table with a blanket over you. You may have one or more of the following.
Nerve conduction study (NCS)
During NCS, mild electrical currents are used to test how fast impulses move along your nerves. Small metal disks (electrodes) will be attached to your skin on the area of your body being tested. This will be done using water-based gel or paste. A doctor or technologist will apply mild electrical currents to your skin. Your muscles will twitch, but the test won’t harm you. Currents are usually applied to the same area several times. Usually the intensity of the electrical stimulation is increased on each body part. Despite some increasing discomfort that varies from person to person, the electrical shock is not dangerous. The test may continue on other parts of your body unless the reason for doing the test is limited to a small part of the body.
|Electromyography (EMG)
Most of the electrodes will be removed for EMG. The doctor will clean the area being tested with alcohol. A very fine needle will be inserted into the muscles in this region. When the needle is inserted, you may feel as if your skin is being pinched. Try to relax and do as instructed, since you will be asked to relax and contract the muscle being tested. Following instructions will allow your doctor to interpret the test results. During each test, wavy lines (waveforms) appear on a screen or on paper. These lines show how well your nerves and muscles work. These waveforms help to determine your test results.

Before the test
Prepare for your test as instructed. Shower or bathe, but don’t use powder, oil, or lotion. Your skin should be clean and free of excess oil. Wear loose clothes. But know that you may be asked to change into a hospital gown. The entire test will take about 60 minutes. Be sure to allow extra time to check in.
Let the technologist know
For your safety and for the success of your test/ tell the technologist if you:
 – Have any bleeding problems.
– Take blood thinners (anticoagulants) or other medicines/ including aspirin.
– Have any immune system problems.
– Have had neck or back surgery.
You may also be asked questions about your overall health.
After the test
Before you leave/ all electrodes will be removed. You can then get right back to your normal routine. If you feel tired or have some discomfort/ take it easy. If you were told to stop taking any medications for your test/ ask when you can start taking them again. Your doctor will let you know when your test results are ready.