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An EEG can be done quite readily from birth onwards. In fact, EEGs are frequently carried out on premature and sick babies. This may be done to get information about the condition of the brain in babies who have experienced birth difficulties or who have become unwell after birth.

Seizures are quite common in sick newborn babies and an EEG may give useful information about whether seizures are occurring, and if so, what type they are and where in the brain they are originating from.

Special small EEG electrodes are available for babies, and while they often object to having these stuck to their scalp, they will often settle and fall asleep once they are in place.

EEGs are very commonly performed on toddlers and older children. In many EEG departments, about 40 per cent or more of the recordings are done on children. Many of these either have epilepsy or suspected epilepsy, but EEGs are also performed on children with learning difficulties or behaviour disorders. Children differ a good deal in how much they object to having an EEG. The test does not hurt, but some children will dislike having their scalp rubbed to get a good electrical contact or having electrodes stuck on. Nevertheless, as with babies, once the electrodes are applied, the child will usually settle down.

Once in a while, it will simply prove impossible to do a routine EEG on a particular child and a decision may be made to perform a sedated EEG.

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Last updated 04 March 2010