EEG Testing for My Baby - What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, Mayo Clinic guidelines
Last reviewed:
If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect eeg testing for my baby - what to expect, here is what the evidence says.
The short answer
An EEG (electroencephalogram) is a painless test that measures electrical activity in the brain using small sensors (electrodes) placed on the scalp. It helps diagnose seizures and epilepsy. The test typically takes 30-60 minutes for a routine EEG, though some require overnight monitoring. Preparation may include sleep deprivation to encourage sleep during the test. The electrodes are attached with a washable paste and do not hurt your baby.
Key takeaways
- An EEG (electroencephalogram) is a painless test that measures electrical activity in the brain using small sensors (electrodes) placed on the scalp. It helps diagnose seizures and epilepsy. The test typically takes 30-60 minutes for a routine EEG, though some require overnight monitoring. Preparation may include sleep deprivation to encourage sleep during the test. The electrodes are attached with a washable paste and do not hurt your baby.
- Usually normal when: Your baby fusses during electrode placement but settles once they are on
- Call your doctor if: Your baby has a seizure during or after the EEG that does not stop on its own
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH, Mayo Clinic guidelines, an EEG (electroencephalogram) is a painless test that measures electrical activity in the brain using small sensors (electrodes) placed on the scalp. It helps diagnose seizures and epilepsy. The test typically takes 30-60 minutes for a routine EEG, though some require overnight monitoring. Preparation may include sleep deprivation to encourage sleep during the test. The electrodes are attached with a washable paste and do not hurt your baby. At 0-3 months, neonatal EEGs may be performed at the bedside in the hospital with continuous monitoring. The technician applies small electrodes to the scalp with paste. Babies this young often sleep through the test naturally. The EEG is completely painless and non-invasive. Results help your neurologist identify seizure activity and guide treatment. It is generally considered normal when your baby fusses during electrode placement but settles once they are on. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby has a seizure during or after the EEG that does not stop on its own.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Neonatal EEGs may be performed at the bedside in the hospital with continuous monitoring. The technician applies small electrodes to the scalp with paste. Babies this young often sleep through the test naturally. The EEG is completely painless and non-invasive. Results help your neurologist identify seizure activity and guide treatment.
3-6 months
You may be asked to keep your baby up slightly past their usual bedtime the night before so they are sleepy during the test (sleep deprivation). Both awake and asleep brain patterns provide important information. Bring a bottle or pacifier for comfort. The setup takes about 20 minutes, and the recording about 30-60 minutes.
6-12 months
Older babies may be more resistant to the electrode placement. Distraction with a toy, pacifier, or feeding can help. A swaddle or parent holding the baby helps keep them still. The paste washes out of hair with regular shampoo. If your baby does not fall asleep during the EEG, the recording is still valuable.
12-24 months
Toddlers may need more preparation. Explain in simple terms that stickers will go on their head. Bring comfort items from home. Avoid caffeine in anything they eat or drink before the test. If a prolonged EEG (24-72 hours) is ordered, your child will stay in the hospital with video monitoring.
2-3 years
Older children may cooperate better with preparation. Practice wearing stickers on the forehead at home. Bring familiar entertainment (tablet, books). The technician is experienced with young children and will work at your child's pace. Results are typically reviewed by your neurologist within a few days.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed eeg testing for my baby - what to expect and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you have concerns about preparing your baby for the EEG.
- Mention if the EEG results were abnormal and you need help understanding what they mean.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby fusses during electrode placement but settles once they are on
- Normal EEG results showing age-appropriate brain patterns
- Your baby is back to normal immediately after the test with no side effects
- You have concerns about preparing your baby for the EEG
- The EEG results were abnormal and you need help understanding what they mean
- You think your baby is still having seizures despite normal-appearing EEGs
- Your baby has a seizure during or after the EEG that does not stop on its own
- You notice new or worsening seizure activity before the scheduled EEG
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice eeg testing for my baby - what to expect — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby fusses during electrode placement but settles once they are on — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby has a seizure during or after the EEG that does not stop on its own.
Related Conditions
Types of Seizures in Babies and What They Look Like
Seizures in babies can look very different from seizures in adults. Types include subtle seizures (eye deviation, lip smacking, bicycling movements), tonic seizures (stiffening), clonic seizures (rhythmic jerking), myoclonic seizures (quick jerks), and infantile spasms (clusters of brief body flexion). Any suspected seizure in a baby needs medical evaluation. Video-recording the episode on your phone is extremely helpful for your doctor to determine if it was truly a seizure.
Understanding an Epilepsy Diagnosis in My Baby
Epilepsy is diagnosed when a child has two or more unprovoked seizures or one seizure with a high likelihood of recurrence (such as an abnormal EEG). The diagnostic process involves detailed history, EEG (brain wave test), and often MRI. Many childhood epilepsy syndromes have excellent prognoses, with many children outgrowing their epilepsy. Treatment with anti-seizure medication controls seizures in about 70% of children. A pediatric neurologist guides diagnosis and management.
My Baby Needs an MRI with Sedation
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) provides detailed pictures without radiation, but requires the patient to remain still for 30-60 minutes. Babies and young children typically need sedation or general anesthesia for MRI. While any sedation carries small risks, the procedure is very safe when administered by experienced pediatric anesthesiologists. The FDA has noted concerns about repeated or prolonged anesthesia in children under 3, but a single, necessary MRI procedure is considered safe and the diagnostic benefit outweighs the risk.
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is eeg testing for my baby - what to expect normal?
When should I call the doctor about eeg testing for my baby - what to expect?
When is eeg testing for my baby - what to expect normal?
What causes eeg testing for my baby - what to expect?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about eeg testing for my baby - what to expect?
Is eeg testing for my baby - what to expect normal at 0-3 months?
Is eeg testing for my baby - what to expect normal at 3-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for eeg testing for my baby - what to expect?
Does eeg testing for my baby - what to expect go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. EEG (Electroencephalogram). HealthyChildren.org. AAP
- [2]National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. EEG. NIH
- [3]Mayo Clinic. EEG (electroencephalogram). Mayo Clinic
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss EEG Testing for My Baby - What to Expect.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed eeg testing for my baby - what to expect and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you have concerns about preparing your baby for the EEG.
- Mention if the EEG results were abnormal and you need help understanding what they mean.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- You have concerns about preparing your baby for the EEG
- The EEG results were abnormal and you need help understanding what they mean
- You think your baby is still having seizures despite normal-appearing EEGs
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby has a seizure during or after the EEG that does not stop on its own
- You notice new or worsening seizure activity before the scheduled EEG
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
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Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of eeg testing for my baby - what to expect are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has a seizure during or after the eeg that does not stop on its own.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Medical Concerns
Types of Seizures in Babies and What They Look Like
Seizures in babies can look very different from seizures in adults. Types include subtle seizures (eye deviation, lip smacking, bicycling movements), tonic seizures (stiffening), clonic seizures (rhythmic jerking), myoclonic seizures (quick jerks), and infantile spasms (clusters of brief body flexion). Any suspected seizure in a baby needs medical evaluation. Video-recording the episode on your phone is extremely helpful for your doctor to determine if it was truly a seizure.
Understanding an Epilepsy Diagnosis in My Baby
Epilepsy is diagnosed when a child has two or more unprovoked seizures or one seizure with a high likelihood of recurrence (such as an abnormal EEG). The diagnostic process involves detailed history, EEG (brain wave test), and often MRI. Many childhood epilepsy syndromes have excellent prognoses, with many children outgrowing their epilepsy. Treatment with anti-seizure medication controls seizures in about 70% of children. A pediatric neurologist guides diagnosis and management.
My Baby Needs an MRI with Sedation
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) provides detailed pictures without radiation, but requires the patient to remain still for 30-60 minutes. Babies and young children typically need sedation or general anesthesia for MRI. While any sedation carries small risks, the procedure is very safe when administered by experienced pediatric anesthesiologists. The FDA has noted concerns about repeated or prolonged anesthesia in children under 3, but a single, necessary MRI procedure is considered safe and the diagnostic benefit outweighs the risk.
My Baby's Head Shape Looks Abnormal
Many babies develop temporary head shape irregularities that are completely normal. A cone-shaped head from vaginal delivery reshapes within days. Mild positional flattening (plagiocephaly) from sleeping on the back is very common and usually improves with repositioning and tummy time. However, head shape changes involving ridges, a persistently bulging fontanelle, or rapid head growth changes should be evaluated to rule out craniosynostosis.
Achondroplasia (Dwarfism) in Babies
Achondroplasia is the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism, affecting about 1 in 15,000 to 40,000 births. It is caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene and is usually apparent at birth with characteristic features including short limbs, a larger head, and a prominent forehead. Intelligence is normal. With monitoring for specific complications and supportive care, children with achondroplasia lead full, active, and independent lives.
Adenoid Hypertrophy and Breathing
Adenoids are lymphoid tissue located behind the nose that help fight infection in young children. When adenoids become enlarged (adenoid hypertrophy), they can block the nasal airway, causing chronic mouth breathing, snoring, nasal speech, and sleep-disordered breathing. Enlarged adenoids are most common between ages 2-7 and are a leading cause of obstructive sleep apnea in young children. Treatment ranges from watchful waiting and nasal steroids to surgical removal (adenoidectomy) if breathing or sleep is significantly affected.