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Insight Horizon Media

What is the difference between EEG and video EEG?

Author

Christopher Anderson

Published Feb 16, 2026

What is the difference between EEG and video EEG?

A video EEG videotapes your child while the regular EEG is being done. The video recording is done over a longer period of time than a regular EEG. A video EEG can take from 6 hours to several days, depending on the information that is needed.

What does a video EEG show?

A video EEG (electroencephalograph) records what you are doing or experiencing on video tape while an EEG test records your brainwaves. The purpose is to be able to see what is happening when you have a seizure or event and compare the picture to what the EEG records at the same time.

Does a video EEG record sound?

Video EEG Monitoring (VEM) is a way of simultaneously recording a child’s behaviour and brain electrical activity (EEG). It is done with special equipment which records EEG, video and sound onto a computer for later analysis.

What is a 72 hour video EEG?

An Amb EEG uses a digital recording system to record brain activity for 24-72 hours while you go about your daily routine. Before the test, recording electrodes will be attached to your scalp with an adhesive paste or air-dried adhesive. These will be covered with gauze and a net will help secure them.

How long do EEGs last?

A routine EEG recording lasts for about 20 to 40 minutes. During the test, you’ll be asked to rest quietly and open or close your eyes from time to time. In most cases, you’ll also be asked to breathe in and out deeply (called hyperventilation) for a few minutes.

Can an EEG detect past seizures?

You may have had seizures in the past, such as brief absence seizures or auras, without knowing they were seizures. Doing an electroencephalogram (EEG), especially after sleep deprivation, may reveal abnormalities in the brain’s electrical activity that may help confirm the diagnosis of epilepsy.

Can an EEG show brain damage?

The EEG may also be used to determine the overall electrical activity of the brain (for example, to evaluate trauma, drug intoxication, or extent of brain damage in comatose patients).

Can an EEG detect a past seizure?

The likelihood of recording a seizure during a routine EEG is small. The EEG generally records brain waves between seizures, called interictal brain waves. These waves may or may not show evidence of seizure activity.

What is an ambulatory video EEG?

An ambulatory EEG test makes a recording of your brain’s activity over a number of hours or days. EEG wires are placed on your scalp, like in a routine EEG, then attached to a special recorder that is slightly larger than a portable cassette player.

What is sleep EEG?

Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that looks at the function of the brain. The brain works by a series of nerve impulses, which cause electrical signals. These signals (also called brainwaves) can be recorded through the scalp.

What is a 3 day EEG?

This is a specialized unit in the hospital where a patient is admitted for 3-5 days for continuous monitoring of brain activity using EEG and Video. This gives your doctor a better understanding of your seizures by seeing how your brain functioning and what you are physicially doing during the event.

What does an EEG look for?

The EEG is used in the evaluation of brain disorders. Most commonly it is used to show the type and location of the activity in the brain during a seizure. It also is used to evaluate people who are having problems associated with brain function.

What does EEG do?

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test used to evaluate the electrical activity in the brain. Brain cells communicate with each other through electrical impulses. An EEG can be used to help detect potential problems associated with this activity.

What could cause an abnormal EEG?

Abnormal results on an EEG test may be due to: Abnormal bleeding (hemorrhage) An abnormal structure in the brain (such as a brain tumor) Tissue death due to a blockage in blood flow (cerebral infarction) Drug or alcohol abuse. Head injury. Migraines (in some cases)