What to Expect from Your Ambulatory EEG

What Is an Ambulatory EEG?

An Ambulatory EEG is a test that records your brain’s electrical activity for 24 to 72 hours while you’re at home. It helps doctors capture brain activity over time, especially if your symptoms happen infrequently or during sleep.

It is completely safe and painless.

What Happens During the Test?

• You’ll come to the clinic where a trained physiologist will apply small sensors to your scalp
• The electrodes are connected to a small recorder that you will wear in a pouch or backpack
• You’ll go home and carry on with your usual day – including sleeping
• You’ll keep a simple diary of any symptoms, sleep or activities
• You return after 1-3 days so that we can remove the electrodes and collect the data

There are no needles and no risk. The test only records activity, it doesn’t do anything to your body.

How to Prepare

• Wash your hair the night before. Don’t use any hair products or oils
• Wear a button-down top for easy access
• Try to follow your normal routine
• Let us know if you have any skin conditions or allergies to tape

We’ll explain everything on the day and provide contact details if you have any issues while wearing the device.

After the Test

• The equipment is removed in clinic
• Your diary is reviewed alongside the recording
• A specialist will interpret the results and send a report to your doctor
• You’ll then be contacted to discuss next steps