For many patients, the term “EEG” sounds intimidating. Electrodes, brain waves, neurological data, it can feel like something out of a science fiction film. But at Charis Neurology in Lake Mary, we believe that informed patients make better healthcare decisions. So let us demystify EEG and explain exactly what it is, what it reveals, and why our in-house neurophysiology lab gives our patients a genuine diagnostic advantage.
What Exactly Is an EEG?
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a non-invasive test that records the brain's electrical activity through tiny sensors (electrodes) placed on the scalp. Think of it as the neurological equivalent of a cardiac EKG, instead of recording the heart's rhythm, it captures the real-time communication between billions of neurons firing across your brain.
EEG Fast Facts
- Zero pain, zero radiation
- Captures electrical activity as small as one-millionth of a volt
- Standard study lasts 20 to 40 minutes
- Extended video-EEG can run 24 hours or longer for difficult-to-diagnose cases
Conditions We Detect with EEG
EEG is one of the most versatile diagnostic tools in neurology. At Charis Neurology, we use it to evaluate a wide range of conditions:
- Seizures and Epilepsy: EEG identifies interictal spikes (abnormal brain activity between seizures), pinpoints seizure onset zones, and guides critical medication decisions, including whether anti-seizure medications are working or need adjustment.
- Unexplained Fainting (Transient Loss of Consciousness): EEG differentiates epileptic seizures from syncope (cardiovascular fainting) or psychogenic non-epileptic spells, a distinction that dramatically changes treatment.
- Memory Fog and Cognitive Spells: EEG detects subclinical seizure activity, seizures that are happening in the brain without obvious outward symptoms, that routine brain imaging may completely miss.
- Sleep Disorders: EEG evaluates sleep stages and screens for REM sleep behavior disorder, narcolepsy, and other parasomnias that are tied to underlying neurological conditions.
Important note: A normal routine EEG does not rule out epilepsy. For patients with high clinical suspicion for seizures, Charis Neurology offers extended video-EEG monitoring to capture rare or infrequent events that a standard 30-minute study would miss.
The Charis Neurology EEG Advantage
Advanced Technology
Our in-house neurophysiology lab is equipped with the Natus Nicolet XLtek® 32-channel digital EEG system, a gold standard platform used in leading academic medical centers. On-site processing means we deliver results with a turnaround under 24 hours in most cases.
Subspecialty Interpretation
Every EEG performed at Charis Neurology is personally reviewed and interpreted by Dr. Sherif Makar, a board-certified neurologist and UCNS-certified neuro-oncologist. This level of subspecialty oversight ensures nuanced, detailed analysis that generic EEG reading services routinely miss, particularly in complex cases involving tumors, metabolic encephalopathy, or overlapping neurological conditions.
Patient-Centric Scheduling
We offer same-week openings for urgent cases, comfortable and private recording suites, and a quiet, spa-like environment specifically designed to minimize patient anxiety and reduce electrical interference during recording. The result is higher-quality data and a far more comfortable experience than a hospital EEG lab.
What to Expect on Your EEG Day
- Preparation: Wash your hair the night before and skip all styling products. Eat normally, fasting is not required. Bring a complete list of your current medications.
- Electrode Application: 21 small electrodes are applied with a gentle, water-soluble adhesive paste. No shaving required. The process takes about 20 minutes.
- Recording: You will be asked to relax with eyes open and closed, breathe deeply, and respond to intermittent light flashing. You may even nap, in fact, we often encourage light sleep during recording, as it activates patterns that help with diagnosis.
- Wrap-Up: Electrodes are removed with warm water. There is no downtime, most patients drive themselves home immediately after.
- Results: The interpreting neurologist typically calls within 48 hours with findings, and a full written report is uploaded directly to your patient portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EEG safe if I have a pacemaker?
Absolutely. EEG uses no magnets, no electrical stimulation, and no ionizing radiation. It is entirely passive, recording the brain's own electrical signals. It is safe for patients with pacemakers, cochlear implants, and other implanted devices.
How soon will I get answers?
Preliminary findings are often available the same day. The full interpretive report is typically delivered within 48 hours of your study.
What if my EEG comes back normal but I'm still having symptoms?
A normal EEG does not mean your symptoms are not real. It is one piece of a larger diagnostic picture. If your routine EEG is normal but symptoms persist, we may recommend extended video-EEG, ambulatory EEG, or additional testing to capture less frequent events.
Ready for Clarity?
If you are experiencing unexplained spells, seizures, episodes of memory fog, or any neurological symptom that has left you without answers, an EEG at Charis Neurology could provide the clarity you need. We combine cutting-edge diagnostics with compassionate care, so you can get back to living your life.
Because every brain deserves a clear signal.
Charis Neurology
775 Primera Blvd, Suite 1031
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Phone: (407) 603-1633 | Fax: (833) 438-5536
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM