Another quick question - EEG

[mj111169]

I was just looking at the  health pages, and was reading the fatigue section.  I read something about the EEG and how it may show diffuse......something!  Of course the word escapes me!

Anyway, the radiologist's impression of my EEG is "Normal awake and drowsy EEG."  However, there is one sentence in the findings that states:  During a brief period of drowsiness towards the end of the recording, note is made of diffuse occurring, 4-7 cycle per second, 30 microvolt theta activity along with attenuation of the above described alpha activity and muscle artifacts.

Is this normal or does it mean my brain was tired?  LOL

[mj111169]

Thanks for the responses and explanation!

[twopack]

Fool that I am, I'll take a stab at it (as long as nobody holds me to it).  I think Lulu is right and here's what I base that on.


"Normal awake and drowsy EEG." --- This is the summation of the report as far as I can tell.  EEG tracings are done during different levels of alertness (alert, drowsy, asleep) and different conditions (flashing light, altered breathing patterns) as diagnostic protocols require and as patients are able to cooperate.

"During a brief period of drowsiness towards the end of the recording," ---  it sounds like you may have had trouble relaxing and drifting off (just too alert or awake and interested in what was going on).

"note is made of diffuse occurring, 4-7 cycle per second, 30 microvolt theta activity" --- I believe this is generally or primarily a slower wave pattern called theta, that is common to drowsy or sleep states

"along with attenuation of the above described alpha activity and muscle artifacts" --- lessening of the alpha (more intense, higher cycled waves) activity typical of alert states.  Was it mentioned earlier in the report too?  Muscle artifacts are extra movements evident on the tracing that don't original in the brain,  They are basicaly interferende.

Is this normal or does it mean my brain was tired?
I do believe it's a little of both.  It is normal AND your brain was getting bored and/or tired just about the time the test was over.

Mary

[Lulu54]

Mj - I am sorry but I haven't a clue how to answer this. I have not had an eeg or familiar with how the results are read.

I hope someone else out there with experience with the EEG can help

My guess is it sounds normal, let's see if someone can say if I'm right.

be well, Lulu