Anyone’s child had an EEG test?

[mummy21boy]

DS has an EEG booked in just under 2 wks time, he’s 4 and has sensory difficulties just wondering if anyone else’s child of similar age has had one and has any ideas of how I can prepare him for it? I’ve got a feeling he’s going to freak out 🙈 thanks

Is it a sleep deprived EEG?

My dd has had 4 over the past 5 years. They are obviously much easier now she is older but the biggest issue we had with the earlier ones were keeping her awake. It didn't help the hospital was a long boring drive, we couldn't even get there on public transport to keep her awake and it was in the afternoon after still getting her up in the early hours.

The more recent ones we have had from a different hospital (still London based) are much better. They are booked first thing, and we collect a prescription of melatonin liquid from Hospital pharmacy just before the appointment. The drs who put all the wires into the hair and get them ready have been really lovely and patient.

You could try showing him what it is going to be like, there are some videos on line. Maybe putting some hair gel on cotton buds and then letting him put them on his head, to show him what it will feel like. Try and explain in basic terms what is going to happen so he isn't alarmed at what is happening. Another thing that may help is a distraction or a bribe? After my dd's first one, we made a big fuss and let her choose a new toy.

It may also be worthing calling the department ahead and letting them know your concerns. I found when we have gone into the appointment the dr takes times to chat to both of us to make them feel at ease and doesn't rush, so you have time to explain at that point as well.

Hope it all goes well

Aw thank you. No not a sleep deprived one, it’s to check for seizure activity 😢 he has spd and hates his hair being touched 🙈 I’m going to have a look for some videos I can show him. Thanks for the advice.

My little boy had one a few weeks ago, he's nearly 4! He's got severely autistic and he managed okay. You can sit them on your knee and hold them, they usually put something on tv for them and there's toys to play with. It is a bit much when they're originally putting the stickers on as there's two people crowding, but we just sang a bit and watched the TV and he was distracted okay

My 1 year old had one, for similar sounding reasons. It was hard as she was too young to understand, and it lasted just over 4 hours. We took a lot, and I mean a lot, of stuff to distract her. My partner and I were absolutely exhausted afterwards, we still consider it the most hardcore parenting we'd ever done!
We let her watch nice stuff on my phone, gruffalo etc. We played games, let her eat smarties, all sorts.
The things I wish I'd thought of in advance are to bring food and a flask of coffee for ourselves, prepare for a very long day, be aware you'll be asked to watch your child and record any seizure-related behaviour.

When they removed the 'nodes' from my DDs head she screamed, it was really hard. I had absolute faith in the nurse, she says if she does it quickly it's better, but it was pretty brutal.

Sorry if that makes it feel a bit more daunting, but I think it's better to be prepared. Good luck with it all!

My one year old had one that lasted 40 minutes. 4 hours sounds very long! Mine was recommended to be a combination of awake and sleeping and luckily he performed both as they turned down the lights mid way though and he nodded off. The start had the flashing lights, like a camera flash,which I closed my eyes for. He was in my arms the whole time.

Not at all Didntwanttochangemyname I’m all for hearing the worst, our hardcore parenting day to date was getting his eyes tested, having the drops put in his eyes etc 🙈
Thanks for the advice, we’ve already been asked to document and video if possible, probably the hardest thing to try and video 🙈
Thank you WeirdEar that is reassuring although DS isn’t autistic he has a rare genetic disorder and spd and there are some similarities

Coconut oil is great for getting glue out afterwards

My son had one about 7 months think it was round 3 hours he’s had many invasive and non invasive tests and I’d say the eeg was one of the easiest he’s now 5 and don’t imagine it would be that bad even now not saying not to be worried but it really wasn’t that bad good luck and hope it goes well and u get the results your looking for

Thank you! I’ve had a letter with the appointment and it says it’ll be between 1&2hrs including 15mins to prep for the test.