Tech is concerned

[Connie Tech]

I decided to sign on the site to offer some assistance. I had been looking for other info and "stumbled" on this site which I found very interesting.

My area of concern has to do with EEG electrodes, their removal, and patient clean up. I am APPALLED (sorry, no yelling) at my profession who is leaving you-the client-in such a mess. No client should leave with glue, paste, gunk or any such items in their hair. You should leave with damp hair and nothing else.

I look forward to reviewing your site, to gain insight into your ideas and concerns and to hopefully become a better technologist because of you.

Connie

[Rae1889]

I agree! at least someone is doing it right! (you)

[Nakamova]

Hi Connie. That's super that you're looking to help. Anything to make the EEG experience less stressful is a bonus.

[Cint]

. I'm appalled at those in your profession also who leave us in a mess. I hate leaving with all that glue on my scalp and having to go home and wash/scrub that crap out.
Also, another suggestion that doesn't have to do with the EEG, but how to treat the "patient". The last EEG my neurologist ordered, the tech had the audacity to say to me, "You don't look like you have epilepsy." I wanted to say back to her, "You don't look stupid."
Be careful with what you say.

[epileric]

Welcome Connie Tech.

It's always good to have someone that can provide a viewpoint from that of the medical profession, especially someone that has the concerns of the client in mind.

Please make yourself at home & check the site out. I look forward to hearing what you have to say.

[Rae1889]

I also found that with my EEGs the tech didnt ask for anything that could trigger my seizures (in my case i can cause one with a specific song) if the tech can ask those things, then catching a seizure would be easier. as not all people are photosensitive or sensitive to sleep deprivation or hypervenitlation. the test only covers those things. it could be some other trigger.

[Bernard]

Hi Connie, welcome to the forum.

You should find many interesting discussions by using the forum's search function with the words electrode, paste or glue.

[huskymom]

Hi Connie!!

It is great to have a medical professional who seems to really take their job to heart! I would suggest a nice warm blanket! I find that always soothing and helps to relax. After all that fast breathing it is nice to have something to help calm us back down. Keep up the great work!!!

[RobinN]

Connie - what a considerate post. One of those "random acts of kindness"... Thank you.

[sandi]

My first EEG My hair was down to my waist, I had been in an auto accident ,
they didn't tell me HOW to get it out , after too many tries exhausted , disoriented ,on depakote and crazy. I cut all my hair off -Just went to a shop and told the girl to chop it all off.

I do have a question, as I've never had an eeg show anything.
Does thick coarse hair prevent getting a good read?

I ask because my 85 yr old father has extremely hairy chest and He cannot get a good EKG unless they shave him- So the shaving is where the leads are.

So I wondered if that applied- I'd glady shave patches if they would help get a good EEG.

[Rae1889]

yup, i can tell your going to be quite the wealth of knowledge here Connie. Are you the one trained to also read the EEG? or do you just take the test?

[Meetz1064]

you for showing up, Connie! We are going to love having your wisdom and insight around!

[karenb68]

thanks Connie! I realize some locations have limited staff or facilities. My daughter's first EEG, they told us not to plan on going anywhere but straight home afterwards because she'd be all "gooped up". She just had her third one in Urbana, and the tech took her straight to the shower and assisted her with shampooing and offered her a dryer when they were done. We really appreciated the difference.

[douglas]

i have had 2 EEG's. yes, i left with a little bit of the sticky stuff on me but nothing too schocking or to write home about. my EEGs were at 2 different major hospitals in GTA Canada.

[Shelley]

When I was a kid, I had an EEG. The glue was left in my hair and ear lobes. Not even my mom thought to get that crap out of my hair before she took me shopping. (She had to show the world how she had to suffer with a freak child).

[Connie Tech]

WOW-sorry for taking so long to follow up. I've been to the National Meeting for techs and quite busy at work.

Thanks to all of you for the stories. If I only leave you with one comment--you have the right to ask as many questions as you want, you have the right to be treated with dignity and you have the right to leave the Lab looking Better than when you arrived. The tech you see should answer what they can and/or refer to the correct reference what they cannot answer.

I "read" the EEGs to know what I should be doing next-photic stim, hyperventialtion, song singing, etc-dependent on the patient. I do not do the formal and final interpretation-that would be an MD, DO or PhD level person.

Yes, policy and process is different from hospital to hospital, clinic and doctor office. Buyer Beware--Just because they do the test, or they wear a white coat, do NOT assume they know what they are doing. We have a Registry (R.EEG T. for Registered Electroencephalographic Technologist). I have this credential. I have also been asked if I'm "new" because I do things differently than the tech at a local hospital (who is not registered). Your tech should be willing to educate, discuss with you and family, and follow up with you as well as provide the best test for you each time.

Hair can make the connect a bit more difficult, and no hair does the same thing. A GOOD Tech knows how to do both. Once you find that peron, let the boss know how good they did and don't be afraid to ask for the same person again. If they are a "bad Tech', say uncalled for comments or don't treat you with respect-let the boss know this also.

Good Luck!!

Connie

[Rae1889]

I have a question. You mentioned sing song. What's that? I've only ever had a few processes happen. 1 is to relax and breathe normal with eyes closed. Then open, and then a series of opening and closing. 2. Hyperventilation 3. Flashing lights.

What other 'test' have you administered during an EEG.

And what do you recommend to use to take of the glue? Assuming of course the tech let's you go home with it. Both regular glue and the video EEG extended hold glue for sleeping etc.

[sandi]

Very interesting, for me maybe it wasn't a good connection as I have thick wirey
coarse hair.
My Dad shows Abnormal everytime and they send him to the ER and th tech there shaves him and find perfect rythum.

So how are we to know?
At least with my insurance I dont get a choice who I call they send me o their cheapest place I'm sure.

[Connie Tech]

1st--hair should NEVER need to be shaved regardless of the type, thickness, ethnicity etc. I would recommend a new Lab, tech or city for your testing.

2nd--There are several aspects of EEG in relationship to the client being tested--relaxation is the most important, sleep the 2nd, other activations like photic stimulation and hyperventilation and if you capture a patient event, that's a bonus. A good tech should find out from you what, if anything, triggers your event or spell.

I recommend to clients, if or when you have an event, write on your calendar what you were doing, time of day, how did you sleep the night or several in a row prior. Were you ill, etc, etc. Over time, you can then tell if there is a pattern. A good tech will take that info, and try to recreate. Sounds terrible to think we'd want a seizure for you in the Lab, but sometimes it happens and the EEG Technologist should be well trained and versed in how to manage the situation.

There are types of seizures triggered by certain things--song singing, reading, hot water, cold water, menstrual cycles, pregnancy and the list goes on and on--these, and more, can all be triggers.

Good luck to all..

Connie

[Connie Tech]

Forgot the glue question--If collodion is used (like a super-glue adhesive and very smelly) Mmst Labs use acetone to remove the glue..again..don't be afraid to ask the staff to remove it ALL before you leave, this should never be a problem for them. Once you can, wash with warm soapy water, leave sit a bit, then rinse. After conditioning and combing, if you still find what appears to be clear nail polish in your hair, you can use acetone or nail polish remover (with acetone is best). Watch the area near your eyes..dangerous stuff..should come right out.

ALL of the pastes (thick like toothpaste) conductive paste used for routine studies should come out with very warm and soapy wash. Again, when leaving the Lab, don't be afraid to ask (take control and be an informed patient) for the staff to clean the paste out. Include measurement marks, ears, forehead and the like. You should see NO paste when you leave but you might "feel" like there is residue on the scalp. Take the opportunity to educate the Tech, it's possible they weren't trained as well as they should have been. For them, it only takes a few extra minutes with a warm, wet washcloth.

Take care!!