Ambulatory EEG query

[masterjen]

I have been called in to have my ambulatory EEG tomorrow - someone canceled I'm thrilled, as I have been holding off from making any medication changes until I have it done. I have had standard EEG's as well as an inpatient VEEG before so know the general drill BUT: it is very hot here, and unrealistic to sleep with even a sheet sometimes. I recall from the vEEG that the connector box you have to have with you at all times can get quite warm, and given our current weather the last thing I need is the equivalent of a heating pad with me in bed making me restless since the nighttime (sleep) EEG recordings are what the neurologist is primarily after. Suggestions from anyone who has had an ambulatory EEG would be very much appreciated!

 

[truegrit]

I haven't done the ambulatory test. But, I'm currently doing a VEEG as we speak.
I suggest laying the box on a dry terry towel next to you. It will absorb the heat from the box. It will also absorb your perspiration keeping you cool

 

[Suman]

Mastergen,

We got the ambulatory EEG done for my son just after his first seizure in July of 2013. We were not aware of epilepsy and other issues due to the device then. My son wore a buttoned shirt and he was able to carry out most daily activities.
He did not have a seizure during the 48 hour time, and I don;t think anything conclusive came out of this.
Good luck and best wishes!

 

[masterjen]

Hey, truegrit;
How goes the VEEG? Will you have to be in the hospital for long? Hope being practically strapped to a bed isn't too much of a hassle!

 

[truegrit]

It's the beginning of day 3. They kept me up late last night hoping that sleep deprivation will work. They are also cutting my meds back further. The worst part is having to ask for things. I'm normally a very independent person but here I have to raise my hand for everything. with any luck I'll have one today because they are going to keep me 48 hours
after it to stabilize my meds

 

[masterjen]

The having to ask for things part was the worst of the whole experience for me as well. And even having to ask for an escort to use the bathroom that was only 3 feet away was really a bit much! I got so uncomfortable having to stay in bed all day as well. I was monitored for a week, and barely slept. I was off most of my medication by the 3rd day, and it was like my brain was so confused it didn't let me sleep much. Then again, how could I be tired just sitting around in bed LOL!

 

[Nakamova]

Then again, how could I be tired just sitting around in bed LOL!

Studies show that just one week of total inactivity can lead to as much as a 20% decrease in muscle strength and a 3% loss of muscle mass in the thigh muscles. Though you weren't totally inactive, and you're in good physical shape, it's likely that "bed rest" was a contributing factor in your fatigue. Of course lack of sleep was probably the #1 cause

 

[masterjen]

That is a big drop in muscle strength for just a week!

I got the EEG gear disconnected on Friday, but it will be a couple of weeks before the neurologist has had a chance to go through the EEG data, as well as interpret the data in terms of how it corresponds to the recordings I made with my camera while I was asleep. Because the camera time-stamps when an event/movement of some kind occurs, I am also able to provide visual data that the neurologist can use - kind of like an inpatient VEEG of sorts. Keeping my fingers crossed that some kind of conclusion can be reached!

 

[Nakamova]

Keep us posted!