Tests and Procedures

EEG (electroencephalogram)

How you prepare

Food and medications

  • Avoid anything with caffeine on the day of the test because it can affect the test results.
  • Take your usual medications unless instructed otherwise.

Other precautions

  • Wash your hair the night before or the day of the test, but don't use conditioners, hair creams, sprays or styling gels. Hair products can make it harder for the sticky patches that hold the electrodes to adhere to your scalp.
  • If you're supposed to sleep during your EEG test, your doctor might ask you to sleep less or avoid sleep the night before your test.