Suppose your doctor has to recommend you an ECG or EEG. In this case, you assume it’s something to cover your chests in stickers. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Electroencephalogram (EEG) sound alike on purpose. But these tests measure electrical activity differently.
The electrocardiogram (ECG) determines what’s wrong with your heart. In contrast, the electroencephalogram (EEG) determines what’s wrong with the brain. Seer Medical’s ecg-eeg test checks how well electrical parts of the heart and brain are working. If so, then what’s set them apart in some ways?
Understanding the Electrocardiogram (ECG)
The pulse and electrical activity of your heart can be checked using a simple test called an electrocardiogram (ECG). You can monitor your heart’s electrical activity with sensors on your skin. A doctor reviews the collected data to determine if the signals are abnormal.
Your primary care doctor (PCP), a cardiologist, or anyone licensed who thinks you might have a heart problem can order an Electrocardiogram (ECG). A doctor, nurse, or other medical staff members at a hospital, clinic, or general practitioner’s office can do the exam.
When is the electrocardiogram performed?
An ECG can be used to diagnose and keep track of many heart diseases. When used for diagnosis, it is frequently combined with other methods. Experts can use this procedure to diagnose and keep track of many heart diseases. An ECG can be used to diagnose:
- Arrhythmias
- Coronary Heart Diseases
- Heart Attack
- Cardiomyopathy
Methods for Performing an Electrocardiogram
ECGs can be performed in several ways. Small sticky sensor electrodes are stuck to your arms, legs, and chest to test. Wires are running from them to an electrocardiogram (ECG) recording device. It is optional for you to complete any extra work in preparation for the test. Additionally, it would help if you kept your typical eating and drinking habits open before the test.
Different Kinds of Electrocardiograms
Resting ECGs, ECGs taken during periods of stress or exercise, and ambulatory ECGs (sometimes called a Holter monitor) are the three most common types of electrocardiograms. The type of electrocardiogram will depend on how you feel and what might be wrong with your heart.
Resting electrocardiograms are performed while the patient is lying down and at ease. And a stress ECG is done on cardio equipment like a bike or treadmill to make the heart feel like it is under stress. In the event of an ambulatory ECG, the electrodes are linked to a small portable machine worn around the waist to monitor your heart at home.
The Process of Obtaining Your Results
ECG machines commonly graph your heart rhythm and electrical activity. After the procedure, the ECG machine stores your heart data electronically, which the doctor can access. ECG results may take time. A specialist doctor may need to examine the records to detect any issues. Additional testing may be required before a diagnosis can be made. A doctor may need to review your results a few days later.
Is there a potential for negative effects?
ECGs are painless and quick. It doesn’t harm you. However, removing electrodes may cause discomfort and a rash. If you become ill or develop symptoms, the test will be canceled.
Understanding the Electroencephalogram (EEG)
An electroencephalogram (EEG) can monitor the brain’s electrical activity. Small sensors are connected to the scalp to record the brain’s electrical activity. The procedure is painless. A piece of equipment records these signals, which a doctor analyzes. A highly trained person called a clinical neurophysiologist would often do the EEG process during a hospital visit.
When is the electroencephalogram performed?
An electroencephalogram (EEG) can diagnose and keep an eye on several brain disorders. It may help diagnose or explain symptoms like seizures or memory loss. EEGs are used to diagnose epilepsy and determine what’s causing the seizures and recommend a treatment plan. Generally, EEGs are sometimes used to diagnose other issues, such as:
- Dementia
- Head injury concussion
- Brain Tumors
- Encephalitis
- Sleep disorders
Methods for Performing an Electroencephalogram
EEG recordings can be made in several ways. You can ask the clinical neurophysiologist questions about the process. You’ll also be asked to consent to certain test procedures. In fact, some EEGs require video consent.
Medical practitioners will cleanse your scalp, and then roughly twenty tiny sensors called electrodes will be affixed with conductive adhesive or paste. An EEG machine is wired to these. Normal EEG recordings take between twenty to forty minutes, but a typical appointment includes time to set up and clean up. Other EEG recordings take longer.
Different Kinds of Electroencephalograms
You may ask for an electroencephalogram (EEG) to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. And what follows are the different kinds of electroencephalograms to determine your findings.
- Routine or standard EEG test
- Sleep EEG
- Epilepsy monitoring units
- Ambulatory EEG
After an EEG
Doctors will take the electrodes off, and your scalp will be cleansed when the test is complete. Likely, your hair will still be slightly stuck and untidy afterward, so you should rinse it immediately when you get the chance. Most tests are brief that you can quickly resume your normal routine.
The results are usually available on different days. Generally, the recordings will need to be analyzed to send the result to the patient’s doctor. They can share the findings with you a few days or weeks later.
Is an EEG harmful?
When done by trained professionals, the EEG procedure is painless and safe. During the procedure, you will not be exposed to any electric current. Most of the time, the only bad things you might notice are feeling tired and having messy hair.
However, during the hyperventilation part of the test, you might feel lightheaded, and your lips and fingers may tingle for a few minutes. Occasionally, a light rush will appear where the electrodes were placed. Experts will constantly watch patients with epilepsy, and if, in the very unlikely event, they have a seizure during the test, the health experts will handle it immediately.
ECG and EEG are Both Safe
An electrocardiogram (ECG) or an electroencephalogram (EEG) will not harm your health. Instead, these tests help determine a diagnosis by measuring the electrical activity already present in your body. Nevertheless, they do not introduce or inflict any new electrical activity into your body.
References:
https://www.timesmojo.com/what-is-the-difference-between-eeg-and-ecg/
https://www.wellnessproposals.com/difference-between-ecg-eeg/
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/electrocardiogram
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/electroencephalogram-eeg
https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/heart/doctor-decoded-ecg-vs-eeg
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ekg/about/pac-20384983
