Video Electroencephalography (Video-EEG)

What is Video Electroencephalography (Video-EEG)?

Video-EEG involves placing small electrodes on your scalp to record the electrical activity of your brain.

Video-EEG monitoring is a long EEG recording over 1 or more days. Simultaneously, a video is typically recorded, so that any seizures can be captured on video and correlated with real-time brain activity. 

Your doctor may recommend Video-EEG to: 

• Evaluate seizures or epilepsy (particularly if your seizures are frequent and refractory to medications)
• Investigate the possibility of seizures or epilepsy 
• Investigate altered mentation, cognition, or memory  
• Investigate unexplained fainting or loss of consciousness 
• Assess sleep disorders 

The above list is non-exhaustive and there may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend a Video-EEG.

The information obtained from a Video-EEG is used to diagnose seizure- and epilepsy-related conditions, and to guide treatment.

How should I prepare for Video-EEG?

Before the day of Video-EEG

• Avoid smoking and drinking caffeinated beverages, e.g. coffee, tea, at least 8 hours before the test.
• Continue with your regular diet and medications (unless instructed differently by your doctor). There is no need to fast.

Please note that the test cannot be done if:

• You have headlice.
• You have an object on your head that cannot be removed and which interferes with EEG recording (such as a non-removable wig).

On the day of Video-EEG

• Wash and dry your hair before your appointment. Avoid conditioner and hair styling products (e.g. foam, cream, gel, oil). 
• Bring all your medications and note down the name and dosage of the medications you are taking.
• There is no need to fast. 

How is Video-EEG performed?

• The Video-EEG is performed by a neurotechnologist. 
• After admission, your scalp is cleaned using gel.
• Small markings are made on your scalp. 
• 31 electrodes are attached to the marked areas using a safe and washable paste and secured with hospital-grade adhesive.
• The electrodes are connected to a machine to record your brain’s electrical activity for the duration of the Video-EEG recording. There will be simultaneous recording of video data. Note that excessive movements in the head and neck region during the EEG recording (such as excessive blinking, excessive talking, or clenching your teeth), can influence the results of the EEG, making it harder to interpret. Hence, for accurate results, you are encouraged to rest in bed or sit on a chair in your wardroom during the Video-EEG session as much as possible. 
• Simultaneously, a video is recorded, so that any seizures can be captured on video and correlated with real-time brain activity.  
• An event button will be provided to you. You should press this button to mark specific times during the Video-EEG recording that you suspect a seizure or an event of interest may have occurred. This is important because some seizures have symptoms that cannot be observed on video recording. 
• You may be asked to reduce the dose of anti-seizure medication(s) you are taking, prior to or during the recording. Reducing the dose of anti-seizure medication(s) increases the chance of seizure occurrence during Video-EEG recording, hence maximising the yield of the test. 
• At different times during the EEG, you may be asked to open and close your eyes, look at flashing lights, breathe deeply and rapidly for several minutes, and/or answer some questions. 
• When the Video-EEG recording has been completed, the electrodes are removed and the paste is cleaned. The average length of stay for Video-EEG recording is 4 to 5 days. Your usual anti-seizure medication(s) and usual doses may be restarted or adjusted in consultation with a doctor. Your neurologist will review the Video-EEG findings with you at follow-up in clinic.
• Sometimes, no seizure or transient attacks occur during the entire duration of Video-EEG recording, despite monitoring over several days. In the event this occurs, information obtained from Video-EEG may be limited. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Video-EEG

Is the test safe?

Yes. 

• Video-EEG is non-invasive. No needles or instruments will penetrate your skin. 
• Video-EEG does not involve any external electric current or discharges. The test only records your brain’s electrical activity – it does not send electricity into your body.
• The electrodes are temporary and will be removed, leaving no lasting side-effects.
• As you will be admitted to the inpatient ward during Video-EEG recording, doctors, nurses, and neurotechnologists are close by. If you feel unwell, please inform any of the staff.

Do I need to shave my hair?

No. You just need clean and dry hair, without any oils, sprays or gels.

Can I shower?

Yes, but only once per day during office hours (consult your healthcare team on timing), below the neck. You will not be able to wash your hair during the period of Video-EEG recording. Both the neurotechnologist and nurses must be close by when you shower. This is because the electrodes and cables cannot be removed for you to shower, and the staff will have to adjust the electrodes and cables in preparation for your shower. Note that any seizures or events that occur while you are showering will not be captured on video and hence cannot be analysed. While EEG data will continue to be recorded, the quality of the data may be suboptimal during your shower.

Can I use the toilet?

Yes, but you should always inform the nurses before you enter the toilet. A nurse will be close by when you are in the toilet, so that help can be quickly available should you experience a seizure or an attack while you are in the toilet. Note that any seizures or events that occur while you are showering will not be captured on video and hence cannot be analysed. While EEG data will continue to be recorded, the quality of the data may be suboptimal while you are in the toilet.

Can I use Medisave to pay for this test?

As Video-EEG monitoring requires inpatient admission, your healthcare financial services team will contact you directly to arrange Financial Counselling.

The information is correct as of July 2026 and subject to revisions without notice.