Children with epilepsy receive EEG tests, at times on a regular basis. The test, officially known as an electroencephalogram, is used to find problems related to electrical activity of the brain.
What is an EEG Test?
An EEG tracks and records brain wave patterns. Small metal discs with thin wires (called electrodes or leads) are placed on the scalp, and then send signals to a computer to record the results. Normal electrical activity in the brain makes a recognizable pattern. Through an EEG, doctors can look for abnormal patterns that indicate seizures and other problems.
If you are preparing to go for your child’s first EEG test, here are two resources you may find helpful:
- Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Video EEG includes a video showing preparation and what your child will look like with all the leads attached.
- Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock What You Need to Know About Your Child’s Upcoming EEG shows several detailed photos of the procedure.
What if the EEG Test Causes Stress for the Child?
I will share with you, from my experience with EEG tests as a parent, that while the test sounds simple, the procedure can be stressful, scary, embarrassing, and even traumatic, especially for children with developmental delays which can occur as a result of serious seizure disorders. I feel it’s helpful to be prepared and realize this could happen.
A Solution to the “Scary” of the EEG Test
As an epilepsy mom I wanted to find a solution to ease the stress and anxiety so commonly associated with EEG tests. I also wanted to find a way to infuse color and “fun” into the experience of the hospital visit. Hospitals can be so sterile and medical. Often there’s nothing childlike about the procedure. Plus your child might need to walk around with leads attached to their head. What if they need to go to school? Or simply wants to go on a walk? It’s a lot to explain and can cause embarrassment and anxiety.
Introducing the NillyNoggin® EEG Cap!
The NillyNoggin EEG Cap reduces much of the “scary” associated with the test and brings some happy and fun to the whole experience. NillyNoggin EEG Caps are colorful and come in a wide assortment of patterns. Children get to choose their own NillyNoggin EEG cap – giving them some control during the medical procedure. The caps are perfectly designed for kids or even adults to wear while they receive an ambulatory or prolonged EEG tests.
Where did the name “NillyNoggin EEG Cap” come from?
Well, you may have guessed that “Noggin” is just a fun name for your head. But what the heck is a “Nilly”?
“Nilly’s” have a heart of gold and are honest, respectable, and absolute sweethearts. They always wearing a smile and have an angelic look about them. Nilly’s are dedicated friends and always give terrific hugs. When we were choosing a name for this special cap, the name “Nilly” just fit! A Nilly describes so many children and young adults we have met that deal with medical challenges. And besides … it’s fun to say! And so NillyNoggin EEG Cap is the name we chose for our super special cap!
The NillyNoggin EEG Cap Helps Children During EEGs in Many Ways!
- Minimize stress during the EEG procedure when a child realizes they can select a fun colorful cap to cover-up the ‘scary’ look of the EEG leads.
- Reduce the anxiety that parents have when they see that their child is less stressed.
- Builds confidence as the NillyNoggin covers up the medically sterile look of the EEG.
- Provides the EEG Technician with ease in functionality because they have quicker access to fix any malfunctioning leads.
What Fabric Do We Use?
NillyNoggin EEG Caps are made from quality cotton / spandex blend making the fabric comfortable, breathable, cool and snug to assist in protecting the leads from wandering little hands. The caps come in an assortment of fabrics giving the option to pick a cap that suits their personality!
What Parents Say About the NillyNoggin EEG Cap!
“Before her NillyNoggin hat arrived, she would constantly freak out even at the site of the cords and rip off her electrodes. It was so stressful. I was thinking, this would be great for Elizabeth because of her severe anxiety caused by medical trauma. When I tell you this NillyNoggin hat is a blessing, It is no lie. It was literally a night and day difference. She couldn’t see the wires so she stopped stressing out and stopped trying to pull them off. She even loved how comfy it was. Not once after wearing it did she lose an electrode.
She was so happy and so were the doctors! Most of all. I was happy she was stress free. We recently had a week long video eeg at Cleveland Epilepsy Center and I am not sure we would have made it a full day without her NillyNoggin hat. Our family is so grateful this product exists.”
– Mom Christina B. cap worn at Toledo Children’s Hospital
