EEG

Medical abbreviation · Neurology

EEG
Stands forElectroencephalogram
CategoriesMedical

EEG stands for Electroencephalogram, a neurology abbreviation.

Recording of the brain's electrical activity through electrodes placed on the scalp, used to diagnose epilepsy, classify seizure types, evaluate unexplained confusion or coma and study sleep. A routine EEG lasts 20 to 40 minutes and may include flashing lights and deep breathing to provoke abnormalities.

Example: Routine EEG shows left temporal sharp waves, supporting focal epilepsy.

Usage notes

German psychiatrist Hans Berger recorded the first human EEG in 1924 and published it in 1929. Electrodes are placed according to the international 10-20 system. A normal routine EEG does not rule out epilepsy, because abnormalities may appear only intermittently; sleep-deprived or prolonged recordings increase yield. Pronounced letter by letter; often confused in speech with ECG or EKG.

More neurology abbreviations

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  • DTN – Door-to-needle time
  • DTR – Deep tendon reflex
  • EDH – Epidural hematoma
  • EDS – Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • EDSS – Expanded Disability Status Scale
  • EMG – Electromyography
  • EMU – Epilepsy monitoring unit
  • EP – Evoked potentials
  • ESUS – Embolic stroke of undetermined source
  • ET – Essential tremor
  • ETV – Endoscopic third ventriculostomy

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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.