Eeg

Is it a 24 hour, continuous EEG or just a quick one? If it's the latter, it will probably take between 1-2 hours, depending on how cooperative your kiddo is. What takes the longest is placing the electrodes on the head.

The technician will "map" your kiddo's head, and may draw on him/make little dots with a wax pencil. This is to ensure that the electrodes go in the right places to give the best reading. Then they'll stick the electrodes on, usually with a little bit of goopey stuff, and wrap his whole head in gauze, to help them stay on.

And then the EEG can start! They will have different sounds and lights going in the room, to see what, if anything, triggers changes in the brain waves. And they are probably hoping your kiddo falls asleep, so they can see sleeping brain waves, too (hence the 5 hours of sleep).

All in all, pretty painless, just tedious.

The actual test is just a few minutes, if I remember correctly.

My daughter had an EEG when she was 2(5 years ago). It took about 30 minutes to get all of the electrodes on and then another 20-30 minutes for the test. We were at the Children's hospital and the technician was wonderful.

It could depend on what they are looking for - but could easily take a couple of hours minimum. Are they looking for a cause of seizures? He's lucky to get 5 hours of sleep - back when dau had to have it, it had to be sleep deprived more than that! (don't know how far you are from the testing site, but I'd bet little one will sleep on the ride there, so be careful of time!)

We went to Dr. Davis in Orlando for an EEG for my then 2 year old. He got them every year until age 4. (Febrile seizures). We had to sleep deprive him and I had my Mom ride there with me to keep him awake as it was a 30 minute drive to their office. They would get him going right away once we arrived and the electrode placement part was the longest. Since it sounds like you won't have to go thru that, the actual test shouldn't take more than an hour, and I was able to stay in the room with him. They used strobe lights and then track them as they sleep.
You can always call the office before you go to get more details. This office was always happy to answer my questions. I also remember they called me a day or two before to go over the procedure.
Good Luck!

My son had one at 6. The maping of the head for the placement of all the little wires (electrodes) was the longest. Then there was a series of test - lights flashing and sounds. I want to stay it too a few hours for the whole thing... The lights flashiing apparently made shapes - if I remember - he said he could see shapes. Then he had to sleep - I though ya right, he's not gonna sleep. So I brought in his sleep CD he listens to at night. And like 5 mins later, the tech goes aaaannnnnddddd he's out. I was like what??? Really??? how can you tell? Because it was all so sudden. She said from his brain waves.

I know that she also said that if he moved or wouldn't stay still and keep the cap on and wires on correctly that the would have to repeat the process in the hospital. I said - BE STILL !! and kind of held his hands.

He still went to school that morning - he was fine... I hope it all goes well for you both.