[Tang Medical Science] What is a video EEG test?

Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a routine examination in neurology. It uses electronic amplification technology to amplify the biopotential recorded from the brain from the scalp to obtain a graph. It mainly observes the number, frequency, amplitude, waveform, distribution pattern and rhythmicity of the electric waves. It is widely used in the diagnosis and research of central nervous system diseases (such as epilepsy, viral encephalitis) and mental illnesses. It is an examination that cannot be replaced by CT, MRI, etc.

Video EEG adds a synchronous video device to the EEG device. The patient's activities can be seen at a glance through the video, which greatly improves the accuracy of the examination and provides doctors with information on the patient's EEG changes and clinical manifestations during an attack.

Why do we need an EEG?

Cerebrovascular disease is a common neurological disease. At present, the research on epileptic seizures caused by cerebrovascular disease has a history of nearly 140 years. According to research, the incidence of epilepsy after different cerebrovascular diseases varies greatly, ranging from 4.3% to 42.8%. Statistics show that the incidence of epilepsy is higher in hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease than in ischemic cerebrovascular disease; different lesion sites also affect the incidence of epilepsy. The incidence of epilepsy in cortical lesions can reach about 40% (such as lobar hemorrhage or watershed infarction), while the incidence of epilepsy in deep lesions is only about 3%. The bleeding site of lobar hemorrhage (frontal, parietal, occipital or temporal lobe hemorrhage) is relatively superficial, and the cortex is often invaded, which directly affects the function of nerve cells and is more prone to epileptic seizures.

Irregular epileptic attacks can lead to an increase in accidental casualties, such as falls, fractures, and traffic accidents. Long-term epileptic attacks can lead to progressive brain damage, decreased intelligence, and even gradual loss of work and life abilities. Therefore, early screening of EEG and timely control of epilepsy through medication and other methods can avoid further damage and facilitate subsequent rehabilitation treatment for patients.

About the Author
Li Shuang, a rehabilitation therapist in the Department of Physical Therapy , graduated from Jilin University with a degree in Rehabilitation Therapy. He specializes in rehabilitation treatment of stroke, spinal cord injury, Guillain-Barré syndrome, etc. He once studied electroencephalogram examination at Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University and is good at identifying and locating the electroencephalogram during the interictal period of intracranial diseases.