Question

1. Jess Raybone, a 24-year-old patient of Dr. Westergard, is being evaluated for a seizure disorder. Dr. Westergard has ordered an EEG for Mr. Raybone. What is an EEG and how is it performed? Describe the different techniques that can be used for an EEG. Which techniques are most suited to suspected seizure disorders? What other conditions can EEGs identify?

2. Elsie Elliason, a 70-year-old woman, was admitted to the emergency department of the hospital with severe vomiting and diarrhea. She has been experiencing these symptoms for the past several days. The physician suspects that she is experiencing hypokalemia. What electrolyte test would the physician order to confirm hypokalemia and what might the result be? Why is this particular electrolyte important to normal body function? What effect did Ms. Elliason's physical symptoms have on the electrolyte?

Answer 1

1. EEG is electroencephalogram. It is a test used to evaluate the activity of the brain. It tracks and records the electrical impulses of the brain. Small flat metal discs called electrodes are placed on the scalp with wires. The electrodes captures the impulses and analysis and sends the signals to the computer and records the results. The different techniques are: standard EEG, sleep EEG, sleep-deprived EEG, ambulatory EEG, video EEG, invasive EEG, EEG monitor, neurofeedback EEG and sleep study. Standing EEG is used for suspected seizure disorder. The other conditions that can be detected with EEG are: seizure disorder, head injury, encephalitis, encephalopathy, brain tumors, memory problems, sleep disorders, stroke, dementia, monitor activity during brain surgery and coma.