EEG Results Explained – What Your Brainwave Test Reveals

Got an EEG report in your hand and feeling clueless? You’re not alone. An electroencephalogram (EEG) records your brain’s electrical activity and turns it into squiggly lines. Those lines can tell doctors if everything’s running smoothly or if something’s off. In this guide we’ll break down the basics, point out the most common findings, and give you clear steps to follow after you get your results.

Reading the Basics of an EEG Report

First up, the layout. Most reports start with a patient info section, then list the recording conditions (awake, asleep, with eyes closed, etc.). After that you’ll see a summary or impression – this is the doctor’s quick take on what they saw.

The heart of the report are the wave patterns. You’ll encounter names like alpha, beta, theta, and delta. In a healthy adult, alpha waves dominate when your eyes are closed and you’re relaxed. Beta waves rise when you’re alert or solving a problem. Theta and delta are slower and usually show up in sleep or in children.If the report says “normal background activity,” it means the overall pattern looks typical for your age and state. Anything else is a clue that the brain might be reacting to something.

Common Abnormal Findings and What They Mean

Spikes and sharp waves – These are sudden, sharp bursts that can indicate a tendency for seizures. They don’t always mean you’ll have a seizure, but doctors take them seriously and may order more testing.

Focal slowing – Slower waves in a specific area can suggest a localized problem like a scar from a head injury or a small lesion.

Generalized slowing – When the whole brain shows slower activity, it often points to diffuse issues such as metabolic disturbances, infections, or widespread brain injury.

Photosensitivity – Some EEGs include a light‑flash test. If the brain reacts strongly to flashing lights, you might be prone to seizures triggered by video games or strobe lights.

Remember, the exact meaning of any finding depends on your clinical picture. That’s why doctors combine the EEG with your symptoms, medical history, and sometimes MRI scans.

What to Do After You Get Your EEG Results

Don’t panic if you see words you don’t recognize. Call your physician and ask them to walk you through the report. Write down any terms you’re unsure about and request a plain‑English explanation.

If the report mentions an abnormality, ask about next steps. Do you need a repeat EEG, medication, or a referral to a neurologist? Knowing the plan helps you feel in control.

In many cases, the EEG comes back normal. That’s actually good news – it rules out certain seizure disorders and can steer doctors toward other causes for your symptoms, like migraines or anxiety.

Finally, keep a copy of the report for future appointments. If you see another specialist, they’ll want to compare new EEGs with the old one to track any changes.

EEG results can feel like a foreign language, but once you know the key terms and what they imply, the picture becomes much clearer. Use this guide as a road map, ask your doctor the right questions, and you’ll be better equipped to understand what your brain is telling you.