Routine EEG, sleep-deprived EEG and Video EEG
Different EEG tests answer different questions. Your neurologist chooses based on the event description, frequency, previous reports and whether a typical spell needs to be recorded.
| Test | When it helps | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Routine EEG | Initial evaluation of seizures, blackouts, staring spells or abnormal movements. | A normal routine EEG does not rule out epilepsy. Read more in the EEG test guide. |
| Sleep-deprived EEG | Used when sleep may increase the chance of seeing epileptiform activity. | Still a limited recording and must be interpreted with the clinical history. |
| Video EEG | Useful when the diagnosis is unclear, PNES is possible, or events must be captured with video and EEG together. | May require planned admission or prolonged monitoring. See the Video EEG monitoring guide. |