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Neurological Care · Delhi NCR

Video EEG Monitoring For Accurate Seizure & Epilepsy Diagnosis

Not knowing what the episodes mean can be scary and confusing, both for the patient and the family. A routine EEG is typically the first preference, but it does not fully explain what is happening.

To get a clear picture of the episodes, neurophysicians recommend Video EEG Monitoring. In this test, the doctor records both the brain wave activity and the person experiencing it at the same time. The doctor sees exactly what is happening inside the body when the brain shows unusual activity.

This video EEG test helps in finding out whether an episode is truly epileptic, something less serious, or if a different evaluation method is needed.

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DM Neurology
Senior Consultant & HOD, Neurology
3 clinic locations
Noida · Greater Kailash 1 · Rajouri Garden
10,000+ patients
Treated across Delhi NCR
Overview

What Is Video EEG Monitoring?

Video EEG Monitoring is a test that combines two things happening together, continuous EEG recording and synchronised video recording. The EEG part records the brain's electrical activity through small electrodes placed on the scalp. The video part captures the patient’s movements, behaviour, and physical signs during the test.

Doctors then compare what the EEG shows with what actually happened on video at that exact moment. This combination is especially useful when a routine EEG did not manage to capture an actual episode, because with video EEG, the goal is to catch the event as it happens.

Dr. Satyan Nanda
Senior Consultant & HOD, Neurology · Yatharth Hospital, Noida
MBBS · MD (Medicine) · DM (Neurology)

Video EEG Vs Routine EEG

Routine EEG Video EEG Monitoring
Usually a shorter recording Longer, continuous monitoring
Mainly records brain activity Records brain activity along with video
May not capture an episode Designed to capture and study episodes
Useful for initial evaluation Useful for cases that are unclear or difficult

Why Video EEG Test Is Needed Even After A Routine EEG?

A routine EEG only runs for a short time. If nothing happens during that time, the results can look normal even though something might be wrong. It just means the test didn't catch the episode because the test duration was small.

Some common reasons video EEG becomes necessary:

  • The episodes are unpredictable and do not happen on command
  • EEG findings need to be understood alongside what the patient actually experiences
  • Video EEG helps connect brain wave changes with the symptoms seen at that time
  • It can help tell apart real epileptic seizures from other conditions that look similar on the surface

When Is Video EEG Monitoring Recommended?

In simple words, video EEG is recommended when a doctor needs to actually witness and record an episode to understand what is causing it. Overall, it is commonly recommended for:

  • Seizures that a routine EEG did not manage to capture
  • Sudden blackouts, fainting spells, or unusual episodes with no clear cause
  • Seizure-like episodes where the diagnosis is still not clear
  • Drug resistant epilepsy, where seizures continue despite trying proper medication
  • Evaluation before epilepsy surgery
  • Children showing unexplained or unusual episodes
  • Suspected psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) or other non-epileptic events

How Does Video EEG Monitoring Work?

The process is broken down into three simple stages.

EEG & Video Setup

Small electrodes are gently placed on the scalp to catch electrical signals from the brain. A video camera is set up to record movements and behaviour. Both recordings run together and stay perfectly synchronised.

Monitoring & Episode Recording

The patient is observed for a set period of time. Depending on how the monitoring is arranged, normal activity may continue during this time. The medical team keeps an eye out for any seizure or unusual episode. If something happens, both the physical symptoms and the brain activity at that moment get recorded together.

Neurological Review

Once the recording is done, the neurologist studies the EEG patterns together with the video footage. The timing and pattern of any episode are looked at carefully. All of this is then understood in the context of the patient's full medical history, and next steps are suggested accordingly.

 

Is Video EEG An Inpatient or Outpatient Procedure?

Shorter monitoring can be done without staying back, you come in, get the test done, and go home the same day. But if doctors need a longer recording to catch a specific episode, or if this is being done before epilepsy surgery, patient admission may be needed to give the team enough time to observe the episodes properly. There is no fixed rule here, it depends on your symptoms and what the neurologist recommends.

What Conditions Can Video EEG Help Diagnose?

  • Epilepsy and its different types
  • Focal seizures
  • Generalised seizures
  • Seizure-like episodes that are still unexplained
  • Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES)
  • Episodes that resemble seizures, such as certain fainting spells
  • Epilepsy needing evaluation before surgery

What Can You Expect During and After Video EEG Monitoring?

01
📋

Before
Monitoring

✓

The purpose of the test is explained to you.

✓

Your current medications and relevant medical history are reviewed.

✓

You will be given specific preparation instructions to follow.

02
🧠

During
Monitoring

✓

The EEG electrodes stay attached throughout the recording.

✓

Video recording continues alongside it.

✓

The staff monitors you for any episodes and makes sure you stay safe.

✓

The duration can vary depending on why the test is being done.

03
📄

After
Monitoring

✓

The electrodes are removed.

✓

Your neurologist studies the recordings carefully.

✓

Results are then discussed with you along with what should be done next.

Why Choose Dr. Satyan Nanda For Video EEG Monitoring?

When it comes to seizures, a report alone is not enough. What actually helps is a doctor who takes time to understand your case and explains things clearly, without any rush.

Dr. Satyan Nanda is a neurologist with MBBS, MD, and DM in Neurology with close to a decade of experience. He has also presented his research on seizures and related brain conditions at international neurology conferences held in Kyoto and Dubai.

Here is what patients and families usually appreciate about consulting him:
  • He explains your condition in simple words, not confusing medical language
  • Your video EEG report is never looked at alone, it is studied along with your full history and symptoms
  • Every case is treated on its own, because no two patients or seizures are exactly the same
  • If your case needs further evaluation for epilepsy, he walks you through each step
  • You get clear and honest answers about what your results mean and what to do next

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to get admitted for video EEG?
Not always. Shorter monitoring can often be done without admission, but longer or specialised monitoring may need a hospital stay.
Can I move around during video EEG monitoring?
In many cases, yes, depending on how the monitoring is set up. It is best to follow the instructions given by the monitoring team.
What is the difference between EEG and video EEG?
A routine EEG only records brain wave activity. Video EEG records brain activity and video footage together, so doctors can match what is happening physically with what is happening in the brain.
Can video EEG catch seizures that a normal EEG missed?
Yes, this is often exactly why it is recommended. Since it runs for longer and continuously, it has a better chance of recording an actual episode and correlating it with brain activity.
Is video EEG only done for epilepsy?
No. It is also useful in figuring out episodes that look like seizures but may actually be something else, such as certain fainting spells or non-epileptic events.
Book An Appointment

Book An Appointment with Dr. Satyan Nanda to discuss whether video EEG monitoring is the right step for your condition. You can see him in these locations: Noida Sec 110, Rajouri Garden, and Greater Kailash.

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