The state of the brain can be detected using modern diagnostic methods. One of the most popular in medical practice is electroencephalography( EEG).The study allows you to accurately put neurological, neurosurgical diagnoses( exception - mental illness).This method is simple in procedure and safe.
What is the EEG of the brain
The human head, like a miniature hydroelectric power station, generates electrical impulses. Even if they are very weak, they can be picked up by instruments. On this principle, encephalography of the brain is based. The method of studying the work of the body is to fix the parameters of its electrical activity. As a result of the examination, the doctor receives an encephalogram of the brain in the form of curved lines. The interpretation of these "graphs" is the key to an accurate diagnosis.
Encephalogram of the brain is removed with the help of numerous electrodes that are attached to the patient's head. The impulses passing through them are recorded on paper. The normal operation of the brain depends on the state of the structures of its trunk and the two hemispheres. They determine the most important parameters of the encephalogram: regularity, symmetry, dynamics of rhythms.
The basis for such brain analysis can be:
- suspicion of stroke, epilepsy, encephalitis, meningitis, poliomyelitis, tumors;
- head injury;
- operations on the brain;
- frequent syncope;
- persistent headaches for no apparent reason;
- convulsions of an unexplained nature;
- severe hypertension;
- cervical osteochondrosis;
- neuroses;
- prolonged insomnia;
- the child's mental retardation, speech problems.
The functions of the brain during encephalogram recording are checked by the doctor using tests. Among them - such tasks:
- several times open and close your eyes;
- 3-4 minutes to breathe deeply and seldom;
- squeeze your fingers into a fist;
- to sit with closed eyes during bright flashes of a light bulb;
- stay 40 minutes in a dark room;
- perform several psychological tests.
In addition to a daytime study, night sleep monitoring is practiced. Encephalogram of brain structures is a painless and harmless procedure. Do not confuse EEG with REG and PEG.REG( rheoencephalography) - a method of studying the operation of the blood vessels of the brain. PEG( pneumoencephalography) - X-ray examination of diseases developing inside the skull. Instead of PEG, magnetic( more precisely, magnetic resonance) tomography is more often prescribed.
How much is the
The price spread is great. The cost of an encephalogram of the brain in municipal medical facilities ranges from 500 to 1500 rubles. This is the cheapest option. In large cities, the encephalogram costs more. The examination of the brain in commercial clinics costs an average of 1400 to 3800 rubles. This difference is due to the qualifications of specialists, the provision of additional diagnostic tests and services. If the encephalogram is done at home, the price increases several times.
Where to make
In the vast majority of polyclinics, the encephalogram is not performed. An adult patient can undergo examination in a neurological department of a district or city hospital, a psychiatric dispensary. Provide this service to multi-disciplinary private medical centers. The encephalogram for toddlers and adolescents is done in neurological departments of children's hospitals. Young patients under 14 years old are admitted there. Infants EEG are recorded in many children's clinics.
Does the encephalogram for the driver's certificate
EEG is required to manage the transport of categories C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1, D1E, Tm, Tb. Registration of the certificate for the driver's license should begin with the admission of your local therapist. He can prescribe a consultation with a neurologist. For the management of motor vehicles of categories A, A1, B, BE, B1, M, the encephalogram is mandatory only in its direction.
What is REG
Rheoencephalography helps to analyze the vessels of the brain. The principle of this method is based on changes in the resistance of living tissues, when a weak high-frequency electric current is passed through them. REG of cerebral vessels can visually show the tone, elasticity of veins and arteries, the presence of obstacles to normal blood circulation.
As with encephalogram recording, electrodes are attached to the patient's head, if necessary - in addition to the temple, the bridge of the nose. The patient is offered to change the pose, look around, take nitroglycerin. REG helps to obtain data that can signal the presence of:
- intracranial hematoma;
- atherosclerotic plaques;
- narrowing of the main vessels;
- increased intracranial pressure;
- ischemia - acute oxygen starvation of tissues;
- forced movement of blood through collaterals( a network of small vessels bypassing large arteries, veins) with thrombosis.
What shows the brain electroencephalogram
EEG gives a multifaceted idea of how the brain works under increased physical and mental stress, during waking and sleeping rights. For neurologists, the head encephalogram is truly priceless, as it helps to quickly diagnose inflammatory, vascular, degenerative pathologies. Only with EEG can you immediately identify epilepsy, identify the localization of intracranial injuries, cysts, tumors.
In addition, the brain's encephalogram is an unmistakable expert that, with the help of light or sound tests, distinguishes between actual loss of hearing or vision from simulation. EEG is indispensable in the intensive care units for monitoring the condition of patients after severe injuries, operations or who have fallen into a coma. Finally, the encephalogram can confirm for certain the onset of death, since in this case the signals of the electrical activity of the human brain cease to flow.
EEG of the brain in children
The procedure is somewhat troublesome when you have to examine a small child. The kid is placed on a changing table or his mother holds it in his arms. It is important that the infant does not move about 20 minutes, does not cry and keeps his head straight. You can not tilt it, because the device can record random readings, and the results will be unreliable. The ultra-small current strength guarantees full harmlessness of the procedure even for newborns.
Encephalogram in children under 3 years of age is recorded only at the stage of sleep. The older guys can not sleep. The main thing - the child should be calm during the procedure, so it is desirable to borrow it with a book or toy. Electroencephalography of brain structures helps to determine the level of mental, speech, mental and physical development of children, the risk of epilepsy. If the child is hysterical, the procedure is carried out with sedation: in a state of light medication sleep.
Explanation of the EEG conclusion
The thalamus is an important area of the brain - it sets the rhythms of four main types, the regularity of which is analyzed by the physician:
- α( alpha) -rhythm with a frequency of 8-14 hertz characterizes the state of rest when a person is awake;
- β( beta) -rhythm in the range of 13-30 hertz appears during periods of depression, anxiety, restlessness;
- δ( delta) rhythm from 0.5 to 3 hertz is recorded mainly during sleep;
- τ( theta) rhythm with a frequency of 4-7 hertz is typical for children and sleeping adults.
Encephalogram is considered normal if:
- is dominated by α- and β-rhythms;
- electrical activity of brain structures is the same in both hemispheres;
- there is a local reaction to the light test, but the overall activity of the brain does not change.
When δ and τ rhythms are recorded, these are signs of serious abnormalities in the central nervous system. Outbursts of electrical activity may indicate the presence of tumors, intoxications, latent infections, stroke, epilepsy. Electroencephalography of the brain is a diagnostic method that does not have absolute contraindications. EEG can not be done with influenza, ARVI.If there are convulsive or psychic attacks or the patient is suffering from severe hypertension, angina, then the encephalogram should be recorded in the presence of an anesthesiologist.