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EEG's, MRI's, and bloodwork are just some of the tests and procedures that someone with Epilepsy have to endure.
An MRI will show a detailed image of your brain, spinal cord, nerve tissue, and more. A neurologist would order an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of your brain if they suspect something is wrong, if they are diagnosing an issue, or if they want to monitor the development or treatment of an injury.
An MRI will show a detailed image of your brain, spinal cord, nerve tissue, and more. A neurologist would order an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of your brain if they suspect something is wrong, if they are diagnosing an issue, or if they want to monitor the development or treatment of an injury.
Getting an MRI was intimidating to me because I was going in this tube and honestly was nervous about it. The MRI Technician was awesome with me, and let my mom come in with me. I wore earplugs, then headphones, and then a helmet with a mirror attached so when I was lying down and looked up into the mirror I could see my mom during the MRI. The MRI was very loud and I had trouble holding still. Finally, I just closed my eyes and focused on breathing, and then I fell asleep!
Every year, I get a long-term EEG. I would go get everything attached and then be sent home with a battery pack and a video camera so that I could be under video monitoring during the EEG. I would get the EEG attached on Friday and then return on Monday to have everything removed.
Every year, I get a long-term EEG. I would go get everything attached and then be sent home with a battery pack and a video camera so that I could be under video monitoring during the EEG. I would get the EEG attached on Friday and then return on Monday to have everything removed.
This does not hurt at all, it just takes a really long time. The technicians have to measure and mark where the electrodes go on my head and that takes the longest time. Once all the marks are on my head, then electrodes start getting attached. This is the worst part because the glue stinks! The technician has to make sure each electrode is attached properly and isn't loose since we don't want them to fall off. Since I have to wear them for the whole weekend, they have to be really secure. I get 23 electrodes attached to my head and then 2 pads on my chest to monitor my heart rate. Once they are all attached and plugged in, I get strapped up to a battery pack. Then they run a few tests to make sure everything is working properly and that the electrodes are securely attached.
Some tests I have had to participate in with the EEG include breathing and strobe lights. I had to breathe like I was taking really big breaths and then blowing them out quickly like I was blowing out a candle repeatedly. This isn't too bad, at some point my lips start to tingle and I feel like I'm going to pass out, but I never have. The strobe light test is when a really bright strobe light goes off at different intervals for a period of time. The doctors and technicians look for any activity in my brain during these tests to see how my brain reacts. Another test was a sleep test when I was in the hospital for a long term EEG. I was only allowed to sleep for exactly 5 hours and then I was monitored throughout the day after. I was not allowed to nap and that was difficult because I was tired. However, a tired brain is similar to a stressed brain so I know it helped my doctor see how my brain reacted to lack of sleep.
When I am home, I stay under video monitoring, and am not allowed to be active or take showers since the electrodes can't get wet. Once I return to the doctor's to get the electrodes removed, I can't wait to go home and shower. There is usually glue left on my scalp and this is the second worst part because it takes a lot to get the glue off. I found that micellar water and a fine tooth comb work the best for me.
After getting hooked up for a long term EEG with the battery pack around my waist.
The technicians usually put my hair in a loose braid with all the wires.
After all the wires are removed.
Getting ready for my EEG
Measuring my head for proper placement of the electrodes.
Still measuring...
Getting the electrodes attached
I'll end up with 23 electrodes on my head.
The final 2 on my forehead.
Counting down until the electrodes come off and I can scratch my head. Between the glue and the wires and the electrodes, it makes my head feel itchy.
Magic Movie 1.mp4My last EEG was a 12 hour EEG in the office. I was under video monitoring the whole time and had to take the strobe light test and the breathing test. Here is a very short video of my day.
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