1. Epilepsy Slideshow
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3. Take the Epilepsy (Seizure Disorder) Quiz

Author:

Diamond Vrocher III, MD

Coauthor:

Mark J. Lowell, MD

Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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After the test is complete, the technician will remove the electrodes. The patient will be instructed when to resume any medications. The patient generally will be ready to go home immediately following the test. No recovery time is required. Because the patient may be at risk for a seizure (especially if their medication has been withheld prior to the EEG), they should have someone take them home, and they should not drive. The patient should avoid activities that may harm them if a seizure occurs, until they have resumed their seizure medication for an adequate length of time. These precautions do not necessarily apply to the person who was not on any seizure medication prior to the EEG.

The doctor or technician will tell the patient when and how they will learn the results of their EEG. Probably the patient will either get a telephone call or have an office visit. If the patient has not learned the test results within 2 to 3 weeks and doesn't yet have a follow up appointment, call the doctor.

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