When the doctor wants to know if something is wrong inside your head, you may need to take an EEG (electroencephalogram). Do you know how this examination goes? Check it out!
A nurse or the play assistant will come and get you for the examination. An EEG is not performed on the children's ward, but at another location. Your mum and/or dad are welcome to join you.
The nurse who will take the EEG has prepared all kinds of material, such as the hats in the picture.
There are different kinds of hats. The green ones are for small heads, the yellow and red ones are for bigger children. For babies, we have a net with cables that is placed over the head.
You can sit on mummy's or daddy's lap on a chair against the wall. If you are big enough, you can sit on the chair alone.
The hat is put on your head. Hanging from the hat are wires that are connected to a computer. In this way, what happens in your head can be read off the computer screen.
Here the nurse injects a little gel. Don't panic... it's a needle that doesn't sting! The only thing you might feel is that it gets a bit cold.
A little gel should be injected into each hole of the cap.
When there is gel in each hole, the examination can begin. Then it is important to sit very still. The examination takes about 10 minutes.
During the examination, the nurse will ask you to open and close your eyes alternately. A flashing light is also held in front of your eyes. It is like they are taking lots of pictures of you.
You will also have to breathe in and out deeply, like at the doctor's when your chest is being listened to. You may feel a little dizzy. You may also be asked to blow. Then the nurse will hold a piece of paper in front of you that you can blow away.
Just a little more patience and the examination will be over. Just a quick look in the mirror and then the nurse can remove the cap. Your hair will be sticky because of the gel. You will be able to wash your hair in your room.
If you've done well, you can choose a present! Then you can go back to your room.
When the doctor has looked at the EEG, they will come and tell you the result. Perhaps you will be allowed to return home soon...