EEG Test in Pokhara: Brain Wave Test for Epilepsy at KDRC

What is an EEG test?

An EEG (electroencephalogram) is a painless test that records the brain's natural electrical activity through small metal discs placed on the scalp. If your doctor has asked for an EEG test in Pokhara, Kaligandaki Diagnostic and Research Center (KDRC) at Shantipath, Amarsingh Chowk, records EEGs with the recording interpreted by doctors experienced in reading them.

Brain cells communicate using tiny electrical signals. Millions of these signals firing together create rhythms, or brain waves, that can be picked up through the skull and scalp. The EEG machine amplifies them and displays them as wavy lines. The pattern changes when you are awake, drowsy or asleep, and certain abnormal patterns, such as sharp spikes, suggest a tendency to seizures.

The key point many patients worry about: an EEG only listens. No electricity is passed into your head at any time. You simply sit or lie comfortably while the electrodes record. People in Pokhara sometimes call it a "brain wave test" or "brain EEG", and it is very different from a brain CT or MRI, which show structure rather than activity.

Why do doctors order an EEG?

Doctors order an EEG mainly to help diagnose and monitor epilepsy and other seizure disorders. It is also used to investigate unexplained fainting, confusion, memory problems, sleep disorders and brain inflammation.

Common reasons for an EEG referral include:

• A first seizure or suspected fit: to look for patterns that suggest epilepsy and the risk of further seizures.
• Known epilepsy: to help classify the type of epilepsy, which guides the choice of medicine, or to check how things are going.
• Blank spells or staring episodes, especially in children, which may be absence seizures.
• Unexplained fainting or collapse, to help separate seizures from other causes.
• Confusion, memory loss or behaviour change that might have a brain cause.
• Encephalitis (brain inflammation), head injury, or reduced consciousness.
• Sleep disorders such as narcolepsy.

MedlinePlus notes that an EEG cannot measure intelligence, and it does not read thoughts. It records patterns of electrical activity and nothing more.

EEG for epilepsy: what it can and cannot show

An EEG is one of the most important tests for epilepsy, but it supports the diagnosis rather than making it alone. Your doctor puts the EEG together with a careful description of the episodes, examination findings and often an MRI of the brain.

Epilepsy, often called छारे रोग (chhare rog) in Nepali, is common. The WHO estimates that about 50 million people worldwide live with it, nearly 80% of them in low- and middle-income countries such as Nepal. Up to 70% of people with epilepsy could live seizure-free with proper diagnosis and treatment, which is why accurate testing matters.

The table below summarises what an EEG result can and cannot tell you.

Because a single routine recording can miss abnormal activity, your doctor may ask for a repeat, a sleep EEG or a sleep-deprived EEG if the first test is normal but suspicion remains. For structural causes, a brain MRI is often the next step, and a CT scan is used in emergencies.

Types of EEG

The main types of EEG are routine, sleep, sleep-deprived, ambulatory and video EEG, and they differ mainly in how long the recording lasts and whether you are awake or asleep. Your doctor chooses the type that gives the best chance of capturing the activity in question.

The table below compares the common EEG types.

Routine, sleep and sleep-deprived recordings are the types most often requested from outpatient centres. Long ambulatory and video telemetry studies are usually arranged by a neurologist through a hospital unit. When you book at KDRC, tell us exactly which type your doctor has written on the request so we can give you the right instructions.

How to prepare for an EEG test

The most important EEG preparation is clean, dry hair with no oil, conditioner, gel or spray, because these stop the electrodes from making good contact. Most people can eat and drink normally and should keep taking their usual medicines unless their doctor says otherwise.

Hair oil is very common in Nepal, so it is worth repeating: please do not apply mustard oil, coconut oil or any other hair oil the night before or on the day. Wash your hair the night before with shampoo only. Remove braids, extensions, wigs and hair clips if you can.

The table below shows how preparation differs by EEG type.

Never stop an anti-seizure medicine to "make the test show something". Stopping suddenly can trigger dangerous seizures. If your neurologist wants a change before the test, they will tell you exactly what to do.

What happens during an EEG at KDRC?

During an EEG at KDRC, a trained technologist measures your head, attaches small electrodes to the scalp with paste, and records your brain activity while you relax with your eyes closed. The whole process is painless.

Activation tasks

During the recording you may be asked to open and close your eyes, breathe deeply and quickly for a few minutes (hyperventilation), or look at a flashing light (photic stimulation). These simple tasks can bring out abnormal patterns that do not appear at rest. Some people feel briefly light-headed or tingly while over-breathing; this settles quickly.

Sleep during the test

If a sleep or sleep-deprived EEG has been requested, you will be encouraged to doze during the recording. Many people fall asleep easily in the quiet room, especially after reduced sleep the night before.

After the test

The electrodes are removed and most of the paste is wiped away. Your hair may feel sticky until you wash it at home with warm water and shampoo, so bring a comb. Unless you had a sleep-deprived EEG, you can return to your normal activities straight away.

Is an EEG safe? Side effects and risks

Yes, an EEG is a very safe test, because it only records electrical activity and puts nothing into the body. There is no radiation, no injection and no electric shock.

The few possible side effects are minor:

• Light-headedness or tingling during deep breathing, which passes within minutes.
• A seizure triggered by flashing lights or over-breathing in some people with epilepsy. MedlinePlus and Cleveland Clinic describe this as uncommon, and staff are trained to respond. A seizure during the test can actually help the doctor make the diagnosis.
• Mild skin irritation or redness where the electrodes were placed.
• Sticky hair from the paste, which washes out.

An EEG is safe in pregnancy and for babies, children and older adults. Tell the technologist if you have a pacemaker or any other implanted device, or if you have a skin condition on the scalp.

EEG for children

Children commonly have EEGs to investigate seizures, febrile convulsions that do not behave as expected, staring spells or developmental concerns, and the test is just as safe for them as for adults. Good preparation makes the visit much easier.

• Explain in simple words that stickers will be put on the head to "listen" to the brain, and that nothing will hurt.
• Wash the child's hair the night before and keep it free of oil.
• Bring a favourite toy, a blanket and a snack or drink for afterwards.
• If a sleep EEG has been requested, follow the sleep instructions carefully; a slightly tired child often naps easily during the test.
• A parent can usually stay with the child to keep them calm.

Young children may need a little extra time while the electrodes are attached. Let us know when you book if your child has autism, sensory sensitivities or finds new places difficult, so we can plan the visit.

EEG vs MRI vs CT for the brain

An EEG shows how the brain is working electrically, while MRI and CT show what the brain looks like. Neurologists often need both types of information to understand seizures and other brain symptoms.

For a first seizure, for example, a doctor may request an EEG to look for epileptic activity and an MRI brain to look for a structural cause such as a scar, a malformation or a tumour. In an emergency, such as a seizure after a head injury, a CT scan is usually done first because it is very fast. KDRC offers all three at the same address.

When will I get my EEG results?

EEG results are not available instantly, because a trained doctor needs to review the whole recording carefully before writing a report. The NHS notes that analysis of an EEG can take some time.

The report describes your background brain rhythms, how they changed with eye opening, deep breathing, flashing lights and sleep, and whether any abnormal activity was seen. Our team will tell you when to collect your report. Take it to the doctor who requested the test. They will explain the findings, decide whether further tests are needed and discuss treatment if appropriate.

Remember that a normal EEG does not rule out epilepsy, and an abnormal EEG does not by itself mean you have epilepsy. Only your doctor can interpret the result in the context of your symptoms.

How much does an EEG cost in Pokhara?

The cost of an EEG in Pokhara depends mainly on the type of recording requested, such as a routine, sleep or sleep-deprived EEG, and how long the recording needs to be. KDRC quotes EEG prices individually rather than publishing a fixed figure.

Factors that affect the price include:

• Type of EEG: routine, prolonged, sleep or sleep-deprived recordings differ.
• Recording length: longer studies take more technologist and reporting time.
• Additional tests: such as a brain MRI or CT requested at the same time.

For the current EEG test price, call 061-553538 or 9856077433 (also on Viber). Our staff will also confirm the preparation for your type of EEG.

Why choose KDRC for an EEG test in Pokhara?

KDRC offers EEG alongside brain MRI, CT and other diagnostic tests at one central Pokhara address, which saves families travel time when a neurologist requests several investigations.

• Brain imaging under one roof: open-type MRI and 192-slice CT are available at the same centre, reported by consultant radiologists Dr. Bishworaj Bastakoti and Dr. Nawaraj Paudel. Read about them on our doctors page.
• Calm, practical approach: the technologist explains each step, and a family member can usually stay nearby.
• Any day of the week: services are available on any day of the week; call ahead to book a time.
• Emergency support: our 24/7 ambulance can help with patient transfer.

Getting to KDRC for your EEG: location and booking

KDRC is at Shantipath, Amarsingh Chowk, Pokhara-10, Kaski, easily reached from Lakeside, Mahendrapul, Prithvi Chowk and the main bus routes. If you are searching for an "EEG near me" in Pokhara, ask for Amarsingh Chowk and look for the KDRC sign on Shantipath.

If you are having a sleep-deprived EEG, plan for someone else to bring you and take you home, as you should not drive. Book by calling 061-553538 or 9856077433, emailing kaligandaki.dc@gmail.com, or using our appointment form. See all our tests on the services page.

Call an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency department if it is someone's first seizure, if a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes (or longer than is usual for them), if they do not recover as usual, if another seizure follows before they recover, or if there are three or more seizures in 24 hours. Do not wait for a scheduled EEG.