What is an EEG a moms perspective

No I didn't Spell EGG wrong and EEG stands for electroencephalogram. SAY that tens times fast *.* and is a common test for brain disorders like epilepsy. which was the reason in our case.

Both of my kids that have TSC have had an EEG My 2 year old has had many and even a 72 hour EEG whearas my other son has had one just as a precautuion and nothing came up as abnormal (abi-normal).

Normal

Abnomal- SEIZURE

An EEG records and deteacts normal brain they are
-Alpha
-Beta
-Theta
-Delta

The Egg records the readings and they are displayed on a computer then printed out so the doctor and trained epilepsy nurses usually in an EMU (epilepsy monitoring unit) can interpert them. The waves are picked up through thin metal wires ,various colors (kind of pretty) and small round disks that are gently pasted to the scalp the covered with gauze by a technician. leads will also be attached to monitor heart rate.

The waves Begin to spike when a seizure occurs no matter how big or small. If you are in an EMU there will be cameras and nurses at their stations are watching at all times.
The cameras move and follow the patient and they talk over the intercom .. I was nursing through that first year and they were very kind to ask me not to cover up. That was fine by me I hated cover  ups and so did the little guy. They'll give you a buzzer to press when you detect a seizure.
It becomes a race between you and the technicians. Who can catch the seizure faster(the things you do when you get bored lol). expect that when your child has a seizure that a rush a of nurses will flood in, flip on all the lights, and describe the seizure. .Your child's physical manifestations mostly. if you are staying over night expect the same thing at all hours of the night.. All the lights and a flood of nurses that will leave as fast as they came. ...no sleep will come! Which is good they like sleep deprivation during these tests.

What to bring FOR CHILD
TECHNOLOGY
-snacks 
-Seizure meds if any
-DVD portable play
-Tablet
-Phone- whatever floats your boat
-My son loves Baby einstein so I brought our collection OF DVDS
-Comfort -fav pillow and blankie or lovie
-bright books
-Puzzles
-Music
THEY WILL HAVE TOYS IF YOU ARE IN A CHILDRENS EMU

WHAT TO BRING FOR YOU
TECHNOILOGY OFCOURSE!
CHARGER
COMFORT ITEMS
SLIPPERS
COMFY CUTE LOUNGE WEAR
STUFF FOR SHOWER IF THERE LONG ENOUGH
CAMERA! TAKE PICS HAVE FUN EVEN IF THE REASON FOR BEING THERE IS CRAPPY
I BROUGHT A BOOK AND STUFF TO DO ,BUT I WAS SO BUSY ENTERTAINING AND BUZZING FOR SEIZURE I NEVER EVEN PULLED THEM OUT.

Sometimes with packing less is more. less to keep track of.


IMPORTANT SIDE NOTES ****
1)If your child is going to have an EEG especially a longer EEG and you would like to cuddle,sleep with, and comfort your little one you can request a regular hospital bed instead of a hospital crib. They are understanding and its was so much more comfortable to co-sleep than sleep on the guest recliner thing.

2.)HOSPITALS ARE SO LOUD. MAYBE BRING A SMALL FAN FOR WHITE NOISE OR DOWNLOAD A WHITe NOISe APP ON YOUR PHONE.

3.) EAT! EAT! EAT! DRINK! RELAX!

4.) MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE DOCTORS, STUDENTS, RESIDENTS, PA, NURSES,MAIDS, clergy, HR, CPS,AND FOOD DELIVERY . you will probably see them all or even more. Keeps a busy room!

5.) MAYBE BRING A COMPANION OR HAVE ONE VISIT TO KEEP YOU COMPANY (SPOUSE OR GRANDPARENT). IT WILL ALSO GIVE YOU A CHANCE TO STRETCH YOU LEGS OR TAKE A SHOWER.

6.) FOR OTHER Siblings BRING HOME SOUVENIRs. IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE SOMETHING YOU BOUGHT $$$ I BROUGHT MY DAUGHTER A STETHOSCOPE WE WERE GIVEN AND SOME BANDAGES/GAUZE SO SHE COULD ADD THEM TO HER DOCTOR KIT.  ALSO LET THEM VISIT IF ITS ALLOWED. IT SO GOOD TO HAVE THE SIBLINGS IN ON THE ACTION TO.

7.) YOUR CHILD WILL COME HOME WITH CRAZY HAIR AND MAYBE RED AND BLUE PEN Marks ON HIS SCALP, BUT IT COMES OUT VERY EASILY IN A NICE WARM BATH WHEN YOU GET HOME.

 GOOD LUCK YOU MOMMIES AND DADDIES



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