EEG Test in Grand Rapids, Michigan

An electroencephalogram (EEG), sometimes called a brain wave test, is a painless medical test that measures the electrical activity of your brain using small electrodes placed on your scalp. In Grand Rapids, MI, EEG testing is commonly available through major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health, as well as some outpatient neurology and sleep clinics.

EEG testing in Grand Rapids is frequently used to help diagnose conditions such as:

  • Epilepsy and seizure disorders
  • Sleep disorders (including narcolepsy)
  • Brain tumors
  • Head injuries
  • Brain infections or inflammation
  • Stroke and other disorders of the central nervous system

Because West Michigan experiences long, dark winters and changing daylight patterns, sleep issues and related neurological symptoms are relatively common; EEG testing can be an important tool in evaluating these concerns.

What an EEG Measures

Your brain cells communicate using tiny electrical impulses. An EEG records these signals as “waves” that can be seen and interpreted by a neurologist.

  • Normal brain waves usually occur at a rate of up to about 30 per second.
  • In people with epilepsy, the EEG may show bursts of abnormal activity, often seen as spikes or sharp wave patterns.
  • Suspected epilepsy is the most common reason for an EEG in both adults and children in the Grand Rapids area.

However:

  • An abnormal EEG does not automatically mean epilepsy.
    • Babies and young children often have patterns that look irregular but are actually normal for their age.
    • Irregularities may also reflect known neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy.
  • A normal EEG does not rule out epilepsy. Some people only show abnormal brain waves during an actual seizure, which may not occur during the test.

Conditions That May Be Evaluated With an EEG

Your Grand Rapids neurologist may order an EEG to help diagnose or monitor:

  • Epilepsy and seizure disorders
  • Sleep disorders (such as narcolepsy or unexplained nighttime events)
  • Head injuries and concussion-related symptoms
  • Brain infections (encephalitis, meningitis)
  • Brain hemorrhage (bleeding in or around the brain)
  • Brain tumors
  • Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
  • Degeneration of brain tissue from various causes
  • Metabolic conditions that affect brain function (for example, severe liver or kidney disease)
  • Hormonal disorders affecting the brain
  • Stroke and other central nervous system disorders
  • Determining brain death in critical care settings (often in hospital intensive care units such as those at Corewell Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids)

Your healthcare provider in Grand Rapids will decide if EEG is appropriate based on your symptoms, exam, and medical history.

Preparing for an EEG in Grand Rapids

Your Hair Must Be Clean and Dry

To get an accurate recording, the electrodes must stick well to your scalp.

Before your EEG:

  • Wash your hair thoroughly the night before or the morning of the test.
  • Do not use:
    • Hair gel
    • Hair spray
    • Oils, creams, or leave-in conditioners
  • Make sure your hair is completely dry before you arrive.

In winter months in Grand Rapids, allow extra time for hair to dry to avoid coming in with damp hair from snow or cold weather.

Your doctor or the EEG lab may also give you instructions about:

  • Medications – some should be continued, others may need adjustment.
  • Caffeine – you may be asked to limit or avoid it before the test.
  • Sleep – for sleep EEGs, you may be asked to stay up late or wake up early so you are more likely to sleep during the test.

What Happens During an EEG

EEG tests are usually done in a hospital or outpatient clinic setting, such as:

  • Neurology departments at Corewell Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Specialized EEG or sleep labs in Grand Rapids and the surrounding Kent County area

Applying the Electrodes

  • You will sit or lie down on a bed or reclining chair.
  • A trained EEG technologist will measure your head and mark where each electrode will go.
  • Between 8 and 23 small electrodes are placed on your scalp using a special paste or gel.
  • The gel helps the electrodes stick and improves the quality of the recording.
  • Your hair is not shaved; the procedure is completely painless.

During the Recording

  • You will be asked to lie or sit quietly and relax.
  • You may be asked to:
    • Open and close your eyes
    • Breathe deeply and rapidly for a few minutes (hyperventilation)
  • Flashing lights may be used in front of your eyes (photic stimulation) to see how your brain responds. This is especially important when evaluating certain types of epilepsy.

The test typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes, but some EEG studies (such as sleep EEGs or long-term monitoring) may take longer.

EEG for Babies and Children in Grand Rapids

EEGs are commonly performed on infants and children at pediatric centers and children’s hospitals connected with major Grand Rapids health systems.

To help the test go smoothly:

  • Parents may be asked to delay the child’s nap until the time of the EEG, so the child is more likely to sleep during the recording.
  • A favorite blanket, pacifier, or quiet toy may be helpful.
  • In some cases, sedative medication may be used if the child cannot relax or fall asleep naturally. This will be discussed with you in advance.

Video EEG Monitoring

Some EEG testing centers in Grand Rapids offer video EEG monitoring. In this case:

  • A video camera records your movements and behavior during the EEG.
  • The video is synchronized with the brain wave recording.
  • This helps neurologists see what your body is doing at the exact moment any abnormal brain activity occurs, which is especially helpful for diagnosing seizures.

Video EEG may be done in a hospital setting or a specialized epilepsy monitoring unit.

Immediately After the EEG

When the recording is finished:

  • The technologist will remove the electrodes and clean most of the gel from your scalp.
  • You can usually get up and go home or return to your normal activities right away, unless your doctor has given other instructions.
  • You may notice some gel or paste still in your hair.

At home:

  • Wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo to remove any remaining gel or paste.
  • You can eat and drink normally unless your provider has told you otherwise.

There are usually no driving restrictions after a routine EEG, but follow your doctor’s recommendations, especially if you are being evaluated for seizures.

Is an EEG Safe?

EEG is considered a very safe test with no lasting side effects.

However:

  • In people with epilepsy or seizure disorders, certain parts of the test (like flashing lights or deep breathing) may trigger a seizure.
  • If this happens during the EEG, it is not considered a complication. In fact, capturing a seizure on EEG can be extremely helpful in confirming the diagnosis and guiding treatment.
  • The test is done under controlled conditions with trained staff present, and emergency care is readily available in Grand Rapids hospitals and clinics.

You cannot be “shocked” by the EEG. The electrodes only record electrical activity; they do not deliver electricity to your brain.

When You’ll Get Your EEG Results

The EEG technologist records the test but does not interpret the results.

  • A neurologist—a doctor who specializes in brain and nervous system disorders—will carefully review your EEG recording.
  • The neurologist then sends a report to your ordering provider, usually within about 48 hours, though timing can vary by facility.
  • Your primary care provider or neurologist in Grand Rapids will review the results with you and explain what they mean.

Follow-Up Is Important

  • Make sure you schedule and keep a follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss your EEG results.
  • Do not assume that “no news is good news.” If you have not heard back within the expected time, contact your provider’s office.

Treatment After an EEG: It Depends on the Diagnosis

An EEG is a diagnostic tool, not a treatment. What happens next depends on what your EEG and other tests show.

Possible next steps may include:

  • Medications
    • Anti-seizure medications for epilepsy
    • Treatments for sleep disorders or mood issues
  • Lifestyle recommendations
    • Sleep hygiene, especially important during long Michigan winters
    • Avoiding seizure triggers (such as sleep deprivation or certain flashing lights)
  • Safety guidance
    • Driving restrictions if seizures are confirmed (following Michigan state laws)
    • Work or school accommodations

In many cases, your provider may order additional imaging tests, such as:

  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – to look at the structure of the brain in detail
  • CT (Computed Tomography) scan – to check for bleeding, tumors, or injury

These tests are widely available at major hospitals and imaging centers throughout the Grand Rapids metro area.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you have questions or need support related to EEG testing, seizures, or neurological conditions, you can reach out to:

  • Your primary care provider or neurologist
  • Neurology departments at:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health for general health resources and referrals
  • Local epilepsy and neurology support groups (often coordinated through area hospitals or Michigan-based nonprofits)

Key Points About EEG Tests in Grand Rapids

  • Suspected epilepsy is the most common reason for an EEG.
  • Your hair must be thoroughly clean and completely dry before the test.
  • EEG is a safe, painless procedure with no lasting side effects.
  • An abnormal EEG does not always mean epilepsy, and a normal EEG does not fully rule it out.
  • A neurologist interprets the EEG and sends the results to your doctor, often within about 48 hours.
  • It is important to make a follow-up appointment with your doctor to review your results.
  • Treatment depends on the diagnosis, which may include medications, lifestyle changes, or further testing such as MRI or CT scans.

If you live in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area and are experiencing seizures, unexplained episodes, or ongoing sleep or memory issues, talk with your healthcare provider about whether an EEG test in Grand Rapids is appropriate for you.