Is an EEG safe?
EEG has been used safely for many years and does not cause any pain or side effects. During the test, tiny electrodes are pasted to the scalp. These electrodes detect brain wave activity and transmit it to a computer. The electrodes don’t cause any tingling or other sensation, as they are just recording the electrical activity of the brain and not creating any electrical activity themselves.
Patients typically are asked to lie very still, relax and sleep. Pasting the electrodes and preparing for the EEG usually takes one hour for typical or "routine" EEG studies. During the test, patients may be asked to perform activities that could prompt a seizure, such as rapid or deep breathing, or looking at a bright or flashing light. More advanced EEG studies, such as video EEG recordings, are much more comprehensive and may last for up to a week.