What Not To Do During An Ambulatory EEG

Published 4/30/2025

Ambulatory EEG (aEEG) has changed the way we diagnose and manage neurological conditions, especially epilepsy. This tool allows for continuous monitoring of brain activity for extended periods in settings outside of a hospital. Although aEEGs allow for more freedom, it's important to be aware of certain precautions and activities that can interfere with their accuracy.

These "Do Nots" are crucial in preventing issues with the EEG signals. In this article, we'll go over a list of things not to do during an ambulatory EEG and how EEG monitoring services, like those offered by Neurotech, can catch and correct interferences. Understanding potential problems can help patients avoid them and ensure the quality and accuracy of the aEEG recording.

Avoid Caffeine For 8-12 Hours Before EEG Monitoring

Caffeine is a stimulant that can alter the electrical activity of the brain. This may cause muscle tension that can show up as artifacts on the recording. During an ambulatory EEG, it's important to have doctors see your brain waves in a natural, restful state. Most EEG monitoring services recommend avoiding caffeine products for at least 8 to 12 hours before EEG testing and monitoring.

Do Not Use Any Hair Products

Hair products, like hairspray, gel, mousse, oils, or conditioners can act as a barrier between the electrodes on the scalp and the skin. For example, these hair products can make your scalp oily, making it harder for the electrodes to stick firmly. Ideally, your hair should be clean and dry for the ambulatory EEG setup. EEG monitoring services rely on clean, stable connections to maintain signal quality throughout the test, and hair products are a leading cause of poor adhesion and dropped signals.

Do Not Take A Shower

Once your ambulatory EEG equipment is set up to your skin, do not shower or swim until the test is complete. Why? Because the electrode glue can loosen and fall off, or the recording device could be water-damaged. Even a tiny amount of moisture can break the connection between an electrode and your skin. Typically, patients are asked not to shower during testing, but some may be able to wash from the neck down with a washcloth. The main objective here is not to get the EEG equipment wet. If you have any concerns during the test, our EEG monitoring services are available to answer questions or troubleshoot equipment concerns.

Do Not Exercise Or Become Too Sweaty

Refrain from any strenuous physical activities during the monitoring session of the ambulatory EEG to reduce the possibility of artifacts resulting from sweating and movements. Daily activities like walking around and using the bathroom will likely not interfere with EEG recordings. If you do end up being sweaty, the electrodes might start slipping or lose contact with your skin, leading to poor-quality EEG recordings. For example, muscles from your neck, shoulders, and face can tense up, create signals, and produce electrical "noise" that the EEG can mistake for brain activity. By taking it easy physically, you will give your neurologist a clear recording to analyze. Neurotech's EEG monitoring services will be able to provide clear guidelines to help you know which physical activities to avoid.

Do Not Chew Tobacco or Gum

Chewing, in general, might seem like a harmless small movement, but it creates a disturbance in an EEG recording. When you chew, the muscles of your jaw, face, and temples generate electrical activity (or muscle artifacts) that are picked up by the scalp electrodes. This results in irregular spikes on the recording device that have nothing to do with your brain signals. This also applies to chewing tobacco, gum, and even vaping. The key is to keep your jaw relaxed during EEG testing.

Do Not Tamper With The EEG Equipment

It's best to avoid adjusting any part of the EEG equipment or electrodes on your own during EEG testing. If you feel like something is becoming loose, contact the EEG monitoring company for help. Trying to scratch or pick at the electrodes or wires can change the position from the correct spot on your scalp. This could lead to false results or missing an abnormality in your brain activity. One recommendation to deal with itchiness is to gently tap near the itch. With issues like this, keeping close communication with your EEG monitoring services provider helps prevent unnecessary test errors.

How EEG Monitoring Services Help Prevent Test Errors

Remember that you are not alone. Neurotech's EEG monitoring services are here to help and guide you throughout your ambulatory EEG test. Should you have a concern or question or would just need a little assistance, you will find our professional EEG technologists available for you all day long and through the night.

In conclusion, carefully following our "what not to do" guidelines will go a long way toward making your ambulatory EEG recording clean and reliable. Our EEG monitoring services have been designed to help you every step of the way, from preparation to all the way through the EEG test. And with your cooperation, you'll maximize the chances of a successful test that truly reflects your brain's activity. If you want to gain more insights into EEGs, visit our dedicated FAQ page or contact our experts.