US Medical Term · tests
EEG (Electroencephalogram)
Electroencefalograma (EEG)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | EEG (Electroencephalogram) |
| Spanish (Español) | Electroencefalograma (EEG) |
| Chinese (中文) | 腦電圖（EEG） |
| Korean (한국어) | 뇌전도 (EEG) |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Điện não đồ (EEG) |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | EEG |
| Portuguese (Português) | Eletroencefalograma (EEG) |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การตรวจคลื่นไฟฟ้าสมอง (EEG) |
| Japanese (日本語) | 脳波検査（EEG） |
What it means
An EEG records the electrical activity of your brain using small metal discs called electrodes attached to your scalp with a sticky paste or a cap. The electrodes detect electrical signals produced by your brain cells and transmit them to a machine that records the patterns as wavy lines. The test is painless and takes 30 to 60 minutes. You may be asked to breathe rapidly, look at a flickering light, or sleep during part of the test to trigger certain brain wave patterns. Wash your hair the night before and avoid products. An EEG is used to diagnose epilepsy, seizure disorders, and other brain conditions. You may be asked to sleep less the night before a sleep-deprived EEG.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
Should I wash my hair before the EEG, and can I use conditioner?
¿Debo lavarme el cabello antes del EEG y puedo usar acondicionador?
Will I need to stay awake all night before a sleep-deprived EEG?
¿Tendré que quedarme despierto toda la noche antes de un EEG privado de sueño?
Can the EEG detect all types of seizures?
¿El EEG puede detectar todos los tipos de convulsiones?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026