EEG Technician Career Guide and Counseling

Question: What is the EEG technician doing during an EEG test?

Answer: Reading the signals your brain is sending through the wires into the machine.

Question: With an EEG, why would the technician click the mouse during the "rest" phase? Was she marking things, or what It seems like she was clicking it a lot, i was curious what this could possibly mean?

Answer: she was recording your brain activity in many modes and actions ,

Question: can an EEG tech see an abnormality during the test? my husband was present during my 7 year old's EEG today. He said that the EEG Technician did not seem to see anything or was not too concerned (acted like it was a normal reading). Is this possible? I ask this because, last time she had a cardiogram, he said the same thing -- and sure enough, she did have an abnormal reading :) LOL Do the EEG tech's really know what they are looking at -- and are they allowed to say anythign to the patient? Thanks :)

Answer: Hello, My youngest who has epilepsy has been going through these since he was 3. The techs I would think have a hard job. By law they are not allowed to say anything even if they did see something. But they spend time with you and want you to have hope your child is ok. The egg's are just a tool, though my sons tests always show activity, mine don't although my seizures keep raising there nasty head. I am always polite to the techs and if they say anything I do not take it to heart. Little is known about electrical impulses of the brain, the study of the brain is not an exact science, it has come far since I was born though..... The techs may no, and may not no what they are looking at, but are not allowed to say either way. Wish you and your family well

Question: Las Vegas Hospital Technician Training...? What hospitals in LV offer programs to become a sonographer, EEG technician, x-ray technician or polysomnographic technician? Are there any one-year programs? Any comments would be greatly appreciated...

Answer: Pima Medical Institute and University of Nevada are the only accredited radiologic technology (x-ray) schools in LV. College of Southern Nevada is the only accredited diagnostic medical sonography school in LV. Check the links below for schools outside of the city of Las Vegas.

Question: EEG , What is the technicians role? While getting an EEG done the other day, during the "rest" phase, the tech was clicking her mouse a LOT... very VERY rapidly, i am willing to bet 60 to 100x per minute... I know she has to write if i move/cough ect, but why would she be clicking the mouse so rapidly? Was she marking irregular brain waves? I do not get the results until Monday, they suspected Epilepsy and i'm a little worried... Please PLEASE help me.... Thanks :-)

Answer: No, I don't believe so. If she were marking irregular brain waves at the rate of two per second, that information would be useless. In essence, she would be saying that the brain waves were always irregular. And, she couldn't perceive irregularities at that rate. I would be more worried it she clicked every ten seconds or so.

Question: Question about an EEG procedure...? I had an EEG last week and was curious about what the technician was doing during the procedure. Is it normal for them to type/take notes at various times during the test or do they just let the computer record the read-outs? I won't know the results for another week or so and am just curious if anything may have been out of the ordinary. Sorry for the confusion...the reason I won't know for a week is because that's when the follow-up with the neurologist is. The technician said she couldn't tell me anything.

Answer: First off...let me show you this: What's an EEG? An EEG or electroencephalogram is a diagnostic test that gives a physician information about the brain's activity. Basically, it's an electrical picture of the brain. Small devices called electrodes are placed in precise locations on the scalp and attached by wires to an electroencephalograph or an EEG machine. Electrical activity (brainwaves) is collected and recorded as a pattern of wavy lines. A neurologist then interprets these lines to determine if there are abnormal patterns caused by brain disease or dysfunction. Okay, I've been a medical secretarial tech and I picked up some stuff here and there. The notes the tech was taking was probably stuff like "I'm mapping this portion of the brain".....or, "I saw normal whatever in this quadrant..." This is just to tell the neurologist what happened at the time of the study. The reason the tech couldn't tell you anything is #1, they aren't licensed to discuss results, only doctors can....and #2 techs can lose their job if they give any hint of a result (no matter how long they've been doing their job) because of their limited study...what they see might be totally different from what the doctor sees. Any specialist goes through many more years of study than normal doctors do. For instance, I worked with Neonatologist (Preemie and sick newborns)....they not only specialized in pediatrics, then they have to specialize in neonatology. Some specialities can tack on anywhere from 4-8 years extra study. I know you're worriedand anxious. If you don't like your results, or are in doubt of the tech and/or doctor...PLEASE get a second opinion...and if you are unsure of what's happening ask....most techs will be glad to tell you (the notes and whatnot). Good luck on your test results!! Cyn p.s. I had one of these years ago before surgery as a precaution, I know how you feel.

Question: I know i ask too many questions but...? I once again need help. My main problem is just that i need a good website that can give me information on all types of medical careers bcuz i have a project due every week.But also i need to find out the job outlook for an electroencephalographic technician (EEG technician)

Answer: http://www.okhealthcareers.com/healthcare_careers_text.htm

Question: Epilepsy diagnosis question? What can an fMRI and an EEG tell, as far as diagnosing epilepsy? If those reports both come back "normal", and the doc still diagnoses epilepsy, what was the point of running the test in the first place? Since the doc says he didn't even look at the picture, only read the technician's report. I guess my biggest question is, If the only thing at all out of the ordinary, after all the tests that were performed, is the patient's description of events of a seizure (generalized and partial), how certain can a diagnosis be?

Answer: Epilepsy is diagnosed after a person has had two or more seizures. The purpose of the MRI is to eliminate the possibility of tumors, cancer or other brain abnormalities that can be picked up by imaging. Some of these conditions are life-threatening and need immediate intervention. The EEG, which can show abnormal brainwaves during a seizure, and in some cases, at other times, can help a physician to locate more precisely the locus of the seizures - where in the brain the seizures originate. This can help the physician to more precisely plan treatment. If all tests come back normal, the doctor has to make a diagnosis based on the descriptions of the patient's experience. All the best.

Question: Want to research on Brain waves. Please help...? Can a guy with physics bachelors study Brain Wave phenomenon ( which actually falls under neurophysiology). What are the opportunities abroad? Before taking a formal course in EEG and Brain waves i wish i could get some practical training in reading and handling EEG. Can i get some some lab assistantship under some neurologist? or are EEG equipment handled only by some lab technicians? Thanks in advance.

Answer: I'd suggest getting some formal background into current EEG technologies and the electrophysiology of the brain before trying to get into a lab. Without understanding the physiological bases for the EEG, it's difficult to ensure you're getting a quality EEG measure (EKG, EMG, etc can confound things quite a bit). While there are EEG technician certification programs, most EEG technicians are either trained during work in a research lab (graduate or undergraduate), or are cross trained while serving other purposes at a neurologist's office. I'd suggest reading up on current research by Paul Nunez regarding localizing EEG sources, as well as the field dynamics of the brain. Beyond that, there's a lot of current research in Quantitative EEG technologies, and the 3D localization of EEG source tissue. Current research also hopes to increase the resolution of EEG localization techniques.

Question: ive bad blackout spells and its still not foundout to the cause after 3 years of epilim tabs 2000mg daily ???? been having blackout spells for more than 4yrs now and have been hospitalised between eeg test video monitering for an on going of 5days to were the technician that was monitering me was fit 2say that id brainwaves of a person in sleep mode of the whole 5days id been admitted!! where do i go from here ?????

Answer: Sorry to hear about this. I found U some sites that U can see for Ur self what might be causing this problem, or at least U can have more questions for Ur doctor. Passing Out, Blackouts, Loss of Consciousness and Seizures preceded by Paleness, Fatigue, and/or Rapid Pulse, with or without Shortness of Breath ... http://www.redlightwarningsignals.com/passout.html List of 325 causes of Syncope (Passing out), full text book excerpts about Syncope, 64 drug side effect causes, 191 drug interaction causes, ... http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/symptom/passing-out.htm Causes of Passing Out Use Healthline's Symptom Search now http://www.healthline.com/symptomsearch Equilibrium. Look here for news and updates on author and writer Meagan Francis's latest ... curling up in a corner and passing out--usually around 5 or 6, ... http://www.meaganfrancis.typepad.com/blog/2007/03/a_few_new_artic.html I hope U can find some answers in these sites. Good luck to U

Question: Slight numbeness on right side of head above ear, please help im worried? So, so basically here is the run down. About 3 weeks ago I think i slept on my left arm and woke with it super numb. I thought I was having a stroke/seizure, so I went to the neurologist. He told me to have an EEG done today and and MRI/MRA next week for my head, neck and shoulder. So basically during the past 3 weeks i have been having slight shooting/pusating headaches that last a few minutes to a few hours every now and then. Well I was also pretty preoccupied with other stuff the past 3 weeks, till yesterday night when I started thinking about all these tests and what could be wrong with me. Then I was feeling my head and noticed that above my ear on the right side its slightly bigger than on my left side. So I seriously stood there for 20 minutes trying to feel out the difference or if I was just imagining it. Then i start thinking that while touching my right side, there is less feeling than on the left side. So i start going crazy and start feeling both side again and again to see if there is a difference in feeling. I was scratching both side, and could kind of feel no pain on the right side. Then it started feeling like that spot, plus on and around my ear was kinda numb/warm/hot and a pulsating headache that seemed like it would originate from that spot. So i said whatever and went to sleep. I slept pretty late because I had to wake up in 2 hours. So I did, and i woke in the foggiest state EVER, but obviously its because i didn't sleep much. So i woke up with the headache still there and then I took a shower and ate some food and the pain was still there so i took some advil 4 hours ago and the numbness/hotness/pulsating headache coming from the spot have not gone away. BUT, let me tell you i can have some pretty realistic panic attacks, where I would actually feel pain. Now am i having a panic attack? Im scared now, and I don't want to go to the ER. I got an MRI next week, but what if something happens by then? I am going to my docs office for the EEG today, but he won't be there, just his technicians, what do i do The pain feels like it might be increasing. Im scared it might be a tumor, but then again some of the signs of a tumor are similar to my symptoms of mania right now(i am bipolar 1). Can someone help?

Answer: While the numbness you're experiencing in your arm may be a result of neurological insult (I'd be inclined to guess a minor spinal issue, but I'm not a neurologist), the issue with your ears and head sounds more like an anxiety problem than a neurological one. Much like panic attacks, you can experience some physical symptoms from anxious cognitions. Given that you were scratching near your ear and physically manipulating them, it's not unusual that they got warm, sensitive to the touch, and resulted in a headache. This is your ear's normal response to strong physical stimulation, and has more to do with your body's vascular system than your nervous system. In the unlikely even that you have a tumor, it will be quite apparent in the MRI, if not on the EEG. However, given that your symptoms are localized to an extracranial area, it's unlikely that's the case. If you have further concerns, consider speaking with you Dr or his techs (they typically know a thing or two). You might also consider seeing a psychologist to receive CBT for your anxiety disorder.

Question: EEG , What is the technicians role? While getting an EEG done the other day, during the "rest" phase, the tech was clicking her mouse a LOT... very VERY rapidly, i am willing to bet 60 to 100x per minute... I know she has to write if i move/cough ect, but why would she be clicking the mouse so rapidly? Was she marking irregular brain waves? I do not get the results until Monday, they suspected Epilepsy and i'm a little worried... Please PLEASE help me.... Thanks :-)

Answer: I had this test myself. Even if it is normal, the tecnician has to "mark" the waves with the mouse to measure them. Even when you are resting, the nerve can give off "noise" depending on the phase of the test. They also go from screen to screen many times. How many times she had to do it does not give an indication of if the test is normal or abnormal so you will have to wait for the office to call. I hope things work out well for you.

Question: EEG , What is the technicians role? While getting an EEG done the other day, during the "rest" phase, the tech was clicking her mouse a LOT... very VERY rapidly, i am willing to bet 60 to 100x per minute... I know she has to write if i move/cough ect, but why would she be clicking the mouse so rapidly? Was she marking irregular brain waves? I do not get the results until Monday, they suspected Epilepsy and i'm a little worried... Please PLEASE help me.... Thanks :-)

Answer: she is marking points to make a graphic for verification

Question: EEG , What is the technicians role? While getting an EEG done the other day, during the "rest" phase, the tech was clicking her mouse a LOT... very VERY rapidly, i am willing to bet 60 to 100x per minute... I know she has to write if i move/cough ect, but why would she be clicking the mouse so rapidly? Was she marking irregular brain waves? I do not get the results until Monday, they suspected Epilepsy and i'm a little worried... Please PLEASE help me.... Thanks :-)

Answer: I've had a lot of EEG's done and never noticed the nurses doing anything like you mentioned. I had epilepsy and know what the EEG's and MRI's are like,I've had so many done I lost track of MRI's around 24. Worst thing to do is worry.

Question: EEG , What is the technicians role? While getting an EEG done the other day, during the "rest" phase, the tech was clicking her mouse a LOT... very VERY rapidly, i am willing to bet 60 to 100x per minute... I know she has to write if i move/cough ect, but why would she be clicking the mouse so rapidly? Was she marking irregular brain waves? I do not get the results until Monday, they suspected Epilepsy and i'm a little worried... Please PLEASE help me.... Thanks :-) please help me...

Answer: The electroencephalograph (EEG) technician plays an essential role in the diagnosis of brain diseases (such as epilepsy or stroke), injury, and tumors. The technician also assists in determining that brain functions have stopped in a patient who has died. The EEG technician performs these diagnostic tests with an instrument that records brain waves. He or she attaches electrodes to specific areas of the patient's head to measure differences in the amplitude and frequency of electrical potentials between various parts of the brain. The technician can also record brain waves with the use of tapes and video equipment. During an examination, the technician observes the patient's behaviour and checks for false readings. Technicians are also responsible for the instrument's proper function and for making minor adjustments and repairs. "Evoked potential recording" is a related neurodiagnostic test frequently performed by EEG technologists.