Reeg Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen at my rEEG appointment?
Referenced-EEG is a safe, simple and non-invasive procedure that takes about one-hour to complete. During your rEEG appointment, the technician will place a few electrodes at certain points on your head. Once the rEEG is set-up, you will be asked to lie down and relax for 20 to 30 minutes while the computer is recording. The technician will monitor your brain wave patterns and will only make noise if it appears you are falling asleep.

How does Referenced-EEG make treatment recommendations?
Once the recording is made, it is further analyzed to make treatment recommendations. The patented system will compare your EEG signal to that of other individuals whose response to psychiatric treatment is known. Based on those similarities, the system will make a recommendation as to what medications you are most likely to find effective. Referenced EEG works because the brain’s response to psychiatric medications can be predicted. Similar abnormalities in EEG signal can be corrected through the use of similar pharmacologic agents. Use of the incorrect medication, however, could result in a worsening of EEG abnormalities and a subsequent worsening of symptoms.

How often do I need to come in for appointments after I have the EEG?
This is different for each patient. Patients will initially need to be seen at least monthly. Once medications are at a stable dose many patients may be seen less frequently.

Why do I need two EEGs?
The initial EEG is an unmedicated, baseline EEG. This EEG is used to help guide medication predictions.

The second EEG is a medicated EEG. It is the only way the doctor can understand the effects of treatment on your brain function. It is through using these two tools that the EEG is able to provide physiological measures of your response to treatment.

Can I get an EEG anytime?
Currently, our EEG lab operates on Monday afternoons, starting at 1 pm.

Who will perform the test?
An experienced rEEG technician will administer the test.

Does the rEEG hurt?
No. The EEG test is painless and non-invasive.

Can my child get an EEG?
Patients must be at least 6 years old to have a quantified EEG test. Children under 6 are not included in the database we used to predict patient results.

How long does the EEG take?
The EEG procedure takes about 1 hour.

May I sleep during the EEG?
You should be conscious at all points during the exam. If you begin to fall asleep, the technician will notice based on your changed EEG signal. We encourage all patients to try to get a good night’s rest prior to the EEG.

Do I need to shave or cut my hair prior to the rEEG?
You do not need to shave your hair, but your hair should be clean. Do not use hair products such as gel or mousse prior to the EEG as this can affect conductance.

May I eat or drink before the test?
Yes. However, you should not drink caffeine the evening before or day of the test.

Can I take over the counter medication before the test?
No. Even over the counter medications, such as pain relievers and allergy medications, can affect the results of the test. In order to get accurate results, you should not use any over the counter medications in the week before your test date.

What about herbal supplements?
Many herbal supplements may affect the results of the test. For this reason, herbal supplements should not be taken prior to the test.

Is it OK for me to drink a glass of wine the night before the test?
No. You should not consume alcohol for three days before the test. Alcohol crosses the blood brain barrier and has many psychotropic effects. These effects will affect the accuracy of your exam.

What if I forget and drink or take medication before the test?
Please let the office know as soon as possible. Should this occur, the test must be rescheduled.

What if I am late or forget about my test?
You should plan to arrive early for your test. If you arrive too late, you will have to reschedule. Any time you miss your test, you will be billed for the technician’s time.

Please call the office with any additional questions you may have.