Neurodiagnostic testing (EEG)
Neurodiagnostic tests, including the electroencephalogram (EEG), measure and analyze electrical activity in the brain. The UCSF Epilepsy Center offers comprehensive screening and neurodiagnostic testing, so that our team of specialists can fully understand each patient's condition and design treatments plans tailored to individual needs.
To arrange an evaluation, please give our patient navigators a call at (415) 353-1986.
EEG testing as an outpatient
Short-term EEG monitoring in the clinic
EEG studies provide your neurologist with specific information about your brain's electrical activity. Our team will place stickers with electrodes on your head and record your brain waves for a period time between 30 minutes and two hours. Short-term EEG studies are performed at our Parnassus and Mission Bay campuses.
Long-term EEG monitoring at home
We offer 24- to 48-hour continuous video and EEG recording for both adult and pediatric patients. At our Parnassus or Mission Bay neurology clinic, our team will place stickers with electrodes on your head and instruct you on how to set up the video camera and recording equipment at home. You'll return to the clinic one or two days later with the equipment so our team can download and interpret the data.
EEG testing at the hospital
Inpatient video EEG monitoring
Our state-of the-art 10-bed epilepsy monitoring unit offers 24/7 video EEG monitoring and recording for patients admitted to the hospital for seizures or presurgical evaluations. This test allows video of the patient to be compared with the EEG tracing recorded at the same time.
Long-term EEG monitoring
We offer in-hospital 24/7 EEG monitoring for acutely ill patients admitted from our emergency department or transferred from other hospitals to receive advanced neurological care.
Learn more about our neurohospitalist transfer service.
Deciding next steps
After your case is presented in our epilepsy conference, your doctor or our epilepsy nurse specialist will contact you to discuss our recommended plan.
If we advise having surgery and you wish to proceed, we'll assist with scheduling your procedure and related appointments.
Related treatments
EEG
An electroencephalogram is a test to measure the electrical activity of the brain. Alternative Names: Electroencephalogram; Brain wave test. Learn more here.
UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.