Laboratory of Clinical Neurophysiology

The Laboratory of Clinical Neurophysiology is located at the Sleep Disorders Center at Berkshire Medical Center’s Hillcrest Campus.

Sleep Deprived, Routine and Ambulatory Electroencephalograms (EEG) are performed by our specially trained technologists. The ordering healthcare provider will determine the type of EEG needed for the individual patient’s diagnostic needs. We are able to measure and record electrical signals (called impulses) that the brain cells use to communicate with each other through this testing. Your health care provider may order an EEG to evaluate certain conditions including seizures, epilepsy, sleep disorders, and dementia.

Preparing for Testing:
An EEG is a non invasive test and will not hurt. You will be asked to lie on your back and remain still. Electrodes are attached to your head with water soluble adhesive and are hooked to wires on a computer. The computer records your brains electrical activity and provides a report which will be analyzed by one of our collaborating physicians and final report given to your doctor.

If your doctor needs to monitor your brain activity for a longer period, an Ambulatory EEG may need to be ordered. In addition to the electrodes, you will wear or carry a special recorder for up to 24 hours. You will be able to go about your normal routine as the EEG is being recorded. Or, your doctor may ask you to stay overnight in a special EEG monitoring unit where your brain activity will be monitored continuously.

SLEEP DEPRIVED ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM:
Report to the Hillcrest Campus at 165 Tor Court, Pittsfield, MA 01201. EEGs are performed on the 2nd Floor in the Sleep Disorders Center. You should get only 4 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period prior to your test, preferably to bed at 12AM and wake at 4AM and remain awake until after your appointment. Come to your appointment with clean dry hair (free of any oils, gels, hairspray, etc). You may eat before testing, but do not have any caffeinated products. Please bring an updated list of medication with you. Testing may take up to 1 hour.

ROUTINE ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM: Report to the Hillcrest Campus at 165 Tor Court Pittsfield, EEGs are done on the 2nd Floor in the Sleep Disorders Center. Come to your appointment with clean, dry hair (free of any oils, gels, hairspray, etc.). You may eat before testing, but limit caffeine. Please bring a list of medications with you. Testing may take up to 1 hour.

24-HOUR AMBULATORY ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM: Report to the Hillcrest Campus at 165 Tor Court, Pittsfield, MA 01201.  Come to your appointment with clean, dray hair (free of any oils, gels, hairspray, etc.). We recommend wearing a t-shirt and a button down shirt over it to your appointment. Button down shirt will be easy to remove at bedtime and light t-shirt can remain on under the equipment while sleeping. You will be asked to wear the module home and return the following day for removal. You will also be asked to keep a diary for the 24 hours of testing. This test could take up to 2 hours for preparation.