Pediatric EEG
Wake and sleep EEG recordings to support neurological evaluation in children.
Pediatric EEG (electroencephalography) records the brain’s electrical activity through sensors on the scalp. It is painless and does not use radiation. At the Nişantaşı practice, Prof. Dr. Serap Uysal plans whether wake, sleep, or sleep-transition recordings are needed based on your child’s age and symptoms, then explains results in plain language linked to the clinical story. The goal is to interpret EEG together with history and examination while avoiding unnecessary repeat studies.
Scope of assessment
Before recording, seizure descriptions, medications, sleep pattern, and prior EEG reports are reviewed. Wake EEG is sufficient for some children; sleep or sleep-onset EEG may be needed when certain epileptiform patterns must be distinguished. Electrodes are secured with gentle adhesive and a parent stays in the room. Apart from mild scalp itch, discomfort is minimal; adhesive residue washes out easily after the study.
When to seek evaluation
Pediatric EEG may be recommended after first or recurrent seizure-like episodes, brief staring spells, developmental regression, persistent behavior change, or selected movement disorders. In children already diagnosed with epilepsy, EEG may be planned for medication adjustment or long seizure-free intervals. The same protocol is not applied to every child; the decision is made with history and examination.
- Video-recorded seizure or shaking episode
- Unusual sounds, agitation, or breathing irregularity during sleep
- Seizure-like events despite treatment
- Clear developmental slowing or regression
- Brief confusion with headache
Visit and follow-up process
On the day of the appointment, clean, non-greasy hair is enough; deliberate sleep deprivation is usually unnecessary. When sleep EEG is planned, timing follows the child’s natural sleep rhythm. Recording usually lasts twenty to sixty minutes. Results are discussed with clinical context; imaging or medication changes are arranged only when appropriate.
Clinical approach
Interpretation considers age-specific normal variants, not labels alone. Families learn what “normal” or “abnormal” means for their child and what happens next. School and sports guidance can be summarized in writing when needed; each child’s risk profile differs. Questions before and after recording are welcome, and repeat EEG is booked only when it will change management.