EEG Test: Price, Purpose, Procedure, Preparation & Risks [2026]

• Price
• Purpose
• Procedure
• Types
• Preparation
• Result
• Sample Report

An EEG test or electroencephalography is a test that measures electrical activity in the brain. Doctors often recommend it to detect conditions like epilepsy, sleep disorders, head injuries, and other neurological issues. The test helps in identifying abnormal brain wave patterns that may indicate underlying health concerns. EEG test price ranges from Rs 1500 to Rs 2500 in India.

Our brain consists of billions of nerve cells called neurons. These neurons interact with each other through electrical signals. These signals appear as wave patterns on an EEG test. An abnormal wave pattern may be present in neurological disorders like epilepsy.

Test details in brief

Also known as	Electroencephalogram, electroencephalography
Purpose	Diagnosis of brain disorders like epilepsy
Preparation	Hair and scalp should be washed thoroughly. Do not apply  oil or any other hair product
Cost	Rs 1500- Rs 2500
Duration	45 minutes to 2 hours
Reporting time	24 hours to a few days

EEG Test Cost

The EEG test price in India typically ranges from Rs 1500 to Rs 2500. The actual price depends on the diagnostic center and the city. In government hospitals or labs, the cost may be lower, while private diagnostic centers may charge higher based on advanced technology and facilities.

At Bookmerilab, we partner with 200+ diagnostic centers across India, offering discounts between 10-50% on EEG tests, ensuring affordability without compromising on quality.

The table below lists the EEG prices at a few popular diagnostic centres

Name of Lab	Test Price
Aarthi Scans	Rs 1400
Mahajan Imaging	Rs 3000
Vijaya Diagnostics	Rs 2500
Suraksha Diagnostic	Rs 2800
NM Medical	Rs 1800
FOCUS Diagnostic Centre	Rs 2500

Cost in different cities

The table below lists the prices in different cities. You can click on the name of the city to get the list of diagnostic centres with their price and discount.

City	Test Price
Delhi	Rs 990 to Rs 2000
Mumbai	Rs 1260 to Rs 2500
Bangalore	Rs 1260 to Rs 2000
Hyderabad	Rs 1260 to Rs 1400
Gurgaon	Rs 1260 to Rs 2500
Chennai	Rs 1260 to Rs 1400
Kolkata	Rs 1300 to Rs 1600

Purpose of EEG Test

An EEG test measures electrical movement and impulses. These are helpful in diagnosing health problems related to our brains. Some disorders which can be detected are

•   Seizure Disorders
•   Sleep Disorders
•   Strokes
•   Memory Problems
•   Dementia
•   Encephalitis (Inflammation of the brain)

An EEG can also be used to confirm brain death in patients who have been in a coma for a long time.

A continuous EEG may also help find the right level of anaesthesia for someone in a medically induced coma.

EEG Test Procedure

EEG test procedure is a simple, painless and non-invasive test that doesn’t involve any risks. The step-by-step procedure is explained below.

• The process starts with the preparation of the scalp by scrubbing the areas marked for electrode placement.
• The electrodes are themselves placed inside tiny elastic caps.
• These electrodes (about 16 to 25) are then placed over the scalp so that identical information is collected from all areas of the head. The number is usually at least 19 but may be lesser for neonates.
• The electrodes are connected to wires which are further connected to a computer.
• The electrodes monitor the electric frequency of the cells inside the brain.
• The recordings are then projected on a computer in the form of waves.
• A doctor further studies these waves to diagnose any related disorders.

The procedure may vary depending on the type of EEG.

Duration Of An EEG Test

Once electrodes are placed on the scalp and the whole setup is connected to a computer and ready to go, the process usually takes an hour. The patient would have their eyes closed most of the time during the procedure. It is a really easy and quick procedure. If performed under 24-48 hours from the last seizure.

What To Expect After An EEG Test

After the EEG test is completed, the technician will remove the electrodes placed on the patient’s scalp. The patient will have to remove the sticky material on their head that was used to paste the electrodes.

No recovery time is needed, and the patient can head back home as soon as the test is completed. The patient is advised not to drive back home as there are chances of having a seizure. Once home, the patient should take a rest and not do any strenuous activity.

Types of EEG

Routine EEG

It takes about 20-40 minutes to perform this test. During the routine EEG test, the technician or the doctor may tell the patient to sit quietly. The patient may also be asked to repeatedly close or open their eyes, take deep breaths for a few minutes (hyperventilation), or even put flickering lights in front of the patient to stimulate the senses. This may cause slight discomfort for the patient but is not harmful.

Sleep EEG

It may be needed when the routine EEG does not give adequate information or in cases of sleep disorders. The patient may be advised to stay awake the night before so they can easily sleep during the test. Sedatives may also be given to induce sleep.

Video EEG

It is also known as video telemetry. In this test, a video recording of the patient is also made along with the EEG recording to obtain additional information about brain activity. This test is usually recorded over many days. The EEG signals are transferred to the computer wirelessly. The video recording is also available on the computer and is under constant surveillance of a trained professional.

Ambulatory EEG

It records brain activity throughout the day and night over one or more days. The electrodes are attached to a portable recorder that may be clipped to the patient’s clothes. The patient may continue their day as usual but must not get the equipment wet.

Invasive EEG Telemetry

This is not commonly performed. It involves surgery to place the electrodes directly on the brain to determine the exact origin of the seizure. It is done in complex cases of epilepsy.

EEG Test Precautions

• Caffeine consumption should be avoided on the test day as it may hamper the test results.
• Continue your prescribed medication unless the doctor has suggested stopping.
• You should properly wash and clean your hair before the test.
• Do not apply hair products such as gels, oil, or conditioners before the test as it may make your hair non-sticky, and the electrodes may have difficulty sticking to your scalp.

EEG Test Risks

EEG tests mainly do not pose any risks. The electrodes are placed to record the ongoing activity inside the brain and not cause any significant discomfort. As this test is non-invasive, it is safe to conduct.

Hyperventilation (to take quick deep breaths) which is usually induced in some patients to produce abnormalities in EEG, may not be safe in patients with a history of stroke, sickle cell anaemia or asthma.

There may be a risk of seizure in some patients due to flashing lights or other factors, but it can be easily managed by the professionals conducting the test.

Results

The result usually comes after a few days from the day of the EEG test. The readings of the EEG test are studied by a neurologist who checks for any abnormal readings. Any result with a frequency of 8 Hz and higher comes under normal outcomes of any EEG Test. With the help of EEG, even the specific area where there is an abnormality in the brain can be found. Depending on the results, a doctor may also recommend an MRI brain.

Sample Report

Below is a sample report.

Age-Specific Advice for EEG Test

EEG tests are safe for everyone – babies, kids, adults and the elderly. But the test and what doctors look for might vary slightly, depending on the age. Let’s understand how:

EEG for Children

Reasons Why Because I can, doctors do EEG for children to:

Seizures or epilepsy

Delays in growth or learning

Sleep problems

Behavioral issues (such as autism or ADHD)

What’s Different:

• Children may have a hard time staying still, so the test itself may be shorter or be performed in pieces.
• Toys, cartoons or other diversions could help keep the child calm.
• Some children may need to sleep for the test ( sleep EEG ).
• If necessary, mild medication is administered to calm the child.

Tips for Parents:

• Before the test, wash the child’s hair (no oil or gel).
• And if it’s a sleep EEG, try to keep your child up past bedtime the night before the test.
• Carry snacks, toys or a favorite blanket to soothe.

EEG in Elderly People 

EEG helps doctors identify memory loss or dementia when examining older patients.

Memory loss or dementia (like Alzheimer’s) 

• Seizures or stroke-related problems 
• Sudden confusion or behavior changes 
• Parkinson’s or similar diseases 

What’s Different: 

• The aging process causes the brain to slow which results in altered EEG readings.
• The elderly population requires additional time along with supportive measures to comprehend instructions.
• Doctors take into account the fact that patients could have additional health problems or be on multiple medications when evaluating their test results.

Tips for Family Members: 

• Ensure they receive their routine medications when it is permitted by their doctor.
• The technician needs to be informed if they possess any difficulties related to mobility, auditory perception or memory.

EEG for Newborn Babies 

Newborn patients in the NICU receive EEG as a diagnostic tool to:

• Check for seizures 
• Look for any brain problems after birth 
• Monitor brain development 

What’s Different: 

• Very gentle test using soft, small wires 
• Medical professionals conduct this test in a serene environment such as the NICU.
• Healthcare providers can monitor brain activity for several hours or even multiple days if necessary.

Conclusion

The application of EEG tests has broadened over the years. Its history can be traced back to WW2, when pilots were screened in and out depending on their chances of having a seizure. EEG tests can detect changes up to a millisecond, and their utility in the clinical field has significantly increased over the years. There are other diagnostic techniques, such as CT scan head or MRI brain, which a doctor may recommend to further substantiate the findings of EEG.

FAQs

How to Book an EEG Test?