An EEG test or electroencephalography is a test to measure electrical signals inside our brain. It is helpful for the diagnosis of brain disorders like epilepsy or seizure. 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

EEG Test Price usually ranges from Rs 1500 to Rs 2500. The actual price depends on the diagnostic center and the city. Bookmerilab partners with more than 200 diagnostic centers across India. We provide a 10-50% discount on medical diagnostic tests.

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.

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

What disorders can an EEG detect?

An EEG is primarily used to detect epilepsy which is a seizure disorder. It can help determine the type of seizure and its triggering factors which enables the doctor to better manage the disease.

Is EEG painful?

No. EEG is a non-invasive and painless procedure. The electrodes do not produce any sensation and hence no discomfort.

How long does an EEG test take?

An EEG test usually takes 30-60minutes. Some EEG tests may take longer depending on the procedure requirements.

Can I eat before an EEG test?

Yes you can eat normally before an EEG test. However, for about 8-10 hours before the test, please avoid caffeine.

How long does an EEG test results take?

Since the EEG recording cannot be read on the spot by the EEG technologist but needs to be analysed by a neurologist, it may take anything between 2-7 days depending on your diagnostic center and city. In some cases the results may take less than 48 hours.

What does an abnormal EEG mean?

An abnormal EEG indicates abnormal activity in some area of brain. This can happen due to conditions like epilepsy, stroke, sleep disorders, dementia, etc.

How to Book an EEG Test?

Dr Garima Saroj

Dr Garima Saroj is a dentist from Manipal college of dental sciences. She has previously worked at ESIC dental college and hospital Delhi and Dentecare multispecialty dental clinic Gurugram. She has a passion for writing for patient education and awareness.

EEG Test: Price, Purpose, Procedure, Preparation & Risks [2024]