EEG and ECG machines

What is an EEG machine? An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test to detect problems in the electrical activity of the brain.

Why is it used? EEG is used to help diagnose the presence and type of seizure disorders, to look for causes of confusion, and to evaluate head injuries, tumours, infections, degenerative diseases, and metabolic disturbances that affect the brain. It is also used to evaluate sleep disorders and to investigate periods of unconsciousness. The EEG may be done to confirm brain death in a comatose patient. EEG cannot be used to measure intelligence or diagnose mental illness.

What abnormal results can mean Seizure disorders (such as epilepsy or convulsions) Structural brain abnormality (such as a brain tumour or brain abscess) Head injury Attention deficit problems Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) Haemorrhage (abnormal bleeding caused by a ruptured blood vessel) Cerebral infarct (tissue that is dead because of a blockage of the blood supply) Sleep disorders (such as narcolepsy) Drug or alcohol abuse Migraines (in some cases) Hallucinations Syncope (fainting) Vertigo

Types of brain waves observed There are four main types of brainwaves: Beta, Alpha, Theta, and Delta.

What each wave represents Beta Alpha Theta Delta This is the active mind wave. 15+ cycles per second (or Hz) 9-14 Hz. Relaxed, daydreaming wave. The stage as we are falling asleep. 4-8 Hz Unconsciousness, deep sleep, coma. Up to 1-3 Hz

What the waves look like

What is an ECG machine? An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. ECG is used to measure the rate and regularity of heartbeats as well as the size and position of the chambers, the presence of any damage to the heart, and the effects of drugs or devices used to regulate the heart (such as a pacemaker).

Why is it used? An ECG is very useful in determining whether a person has heart disease. If a person has chest pain or palpitations, an ECG is helpful in determining if the heart is beating normally. If a person is on medications that may affect the heart or if the patient is on a pacemaker, an ECG can readily determine the immediate effects of changes in activity or medication levels. An ECG may be included as part of a routine examination in patients over 40 years old.

What abnormal results can mean Myocardial (cardiac muscle) defect Enlargement of the heart Congenital defects Heart valve disease Arrhythmias (abnormal rhythms) Tachycardia (heart rate too fast) or Bradycardia (too slow) Ectopic heartbeat Coronary artery disease Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) Changes in the amount of electrolytes (chemicals in the blood) Past heart attack Present or impending heart attack