Infant EEG
Safe EEG for newborns and young infants with a parent at bedside.
Infant EEG records brain electrical activity from the newborn period onward using painless scalp sensors. Electrode placement and recording length are age-specific, and parents remain close during the study. Prof. Dr. Serap Uysal interprets results together with birth history, feeding, tone, and developmental observations to build a practical follow-up plan. The Nişantaşı clinic keeps the environment calm; when urgent patterns are suspected, EEG is prioritized and results are shared with clinical context as soon as possible.
Scope of assessment
Prematurity, perinatal oxygen need, jaundice, infection history, and family neurological history are reviewed before recording. Hypotonia, frequent hiccups, unusual movements, infantile spasm suspicion, and neonatal seizure history are common indications. Recording is usually performed during sleep or quiet wakefulness; feeding and holding in arms are allowed for comfort. Metabolic or genetic testing is arranged when clinically indicated.
When to seek evaluation
In the newborn period, suspected seizures, sudden cyanosis, rhythmic jerking, or marked sleep-wake disruption warrant prompt assessment. Regression, difficulty crawling, or marked head-control delay may raise priority for EEG. Not every jitter is a seizure; the decision is made with examination.
- Rhythmic arm-leg stiffening or “collapse” movements
- Persistent hiccups or unusual eye movements
- Difficult birth or neurological concern after prematurity
- Hypotonic (floppy) infant
- Feeding difficulty with agitation or poor sleep
Visit and follow-up process
Daily care items and feeding routine may be brought to the appointment. The scalp should be clean; heavy creams can be reduced beforehand. Recording length varies by age. In urgent suspicion (for example infantile spasms), EEG and clinical assessment are expedited, and families receive clear emergency criteria. Appointments and questions can be handled by phone or WhatsApp when appropriate.
Clinical approach
Infant EEG interpretation differs from older children; age-specific normal patterns are distinguished carefully. Results are explained by meaning and next steps, not only as “good” or “bad.” Pediatric EEG, imaging, or multidisciplinary referral is planned when needed. Comfort during recording is prioritized; urgent cases are interpreted with clinical context as quickly as possible.