8 Conditions That Can Be Diagnosed With an EEG
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that measures the electrical activity in the brain. Healthcare experts utilize it to evaluate and comprehend neurological illnesses, sleep disorders, and brain damage.
If you have seizures, blackouts, or migraines, you may need an EEG to assist in determining the underlying cause.
Doctors use EEGs in conjunction with other tests to provide a thorough picture of your illness. The following sections describe ten conditions that an EEG can assist doctors in comprehending.
1. Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological seizure disorder that affects one of several areas of the brain. The primary symptom of epilepsy is recurring seizures caused by abnormal electrical brain activity.
A doctor may use an EEG to search for irregular brain waves and pinpoint where the seizure originated. This helps them determine the sort of epilepsy a person has.
2. Sleep disorders
Sleep disorders are defined as problems with a person's amount or quality of sleep, which are frequently caused by an underlying physical or mental issue. Sleep disorders can affect a person's cognitive functions, resulting in poor physical or mental health and a lower quality of life.
An EEG may be required for the following sleep disorders:
- insomnia
- narcolepsy
- sleep paralysis
- sleep apnea
- restless legs syndrome
- REM sleep behavior disorder
3. Traumatic brain injuries
Head injuries, also known as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), happen when a powerful impact on the head damages the brain, causing temporary or permanent impairment of cognitive, physical, and psychosocial functioning.
EEGs may be used by doctors to test and monitor cognitive function after a moderate traumatic brain injury (mTBI). However, employing EEGs in this manner is unusual, and research into their application is ongoing.
If you have had a head injury, you should take an EEG test. You may find a specialist by googling “electroencephalogram near me”.
4. Brain infection or inflammation
Encephalitis, or brain inflammation, is most commonly caused by a viral infection. Other causes could include the immune system inadvertently targeting brain tissue. Bacteria, fungi, or parasites are occasionally the source of an attack.
A brain abscess is a dangerous and sometimes life-threatening illness caused by bacterial or fungal infection in the brain.
An EEG in encephalitis may reveal strong waves in one or both temporal lobes, as well as abnormalities in persons who have seizures. Doctors may also use an EEG to determine when a patient is seizure-free following treatment.
5. Dementia
Dementia is characterized by a loss of cognitive functions, including symptoms such as forgetfulness and impaired decision-making. Dementia is not a disease in and of itself, but rather the result of diseases like Alzheimer's and Lewy body dementia.
Dementia occurs as a result of brain cell destruction, and an EEG can detect aberrant brain activity. Dementia raises the risk of seizures, and an EEG can detect whether a person with dementia has them.
6. Degenerative diseases
A degenerative disease occurs when organs or tissues lose function and degenerate over time. A neurodegenerative disease affects the central nervous system (CNS). Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent neurological illness, affecting about 6.7 million Americans.
Other common degenerative illnesses are:
- multiple sclerosis
- motor neuron disease
- Huntington’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
7. Brain tumors
A brain tumor is the development of abnormal cells in the brain. Brain tumors can also develop in other areas of the CNS, such as the spine. A brain tumor can be both destructive (malignant) and benign. It can impair the brain's capacity to conduct tasks like cognition, speech, movement, and memory.
A brain tumor can be diagnosed with an MRI or CT scan. They may also utilize an EEG to detect aberrant brain activity and determine a patient's risk of seizures.
8. Stroke
A stroke is a cerebrovascular disorder that occurs when oxygen levels in the brain drop, usually due to a blockage in the blood supply or a hemorrhage. Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States experience a stroke, with 610,000 experiencing their first.
An EEG can help doctors establish whether a person's symptoms are caused by a stroke or a seizure.
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