EEG Testing in Brisbane – Routine, Sleep-Deprived and Home Video-EEG

Specialist EEG investigations at Brisbane Clinical Neuroscience Centre (BCNC), South Brisbane

At the Brisbane Clinical Neuroscience Centre, in addition to routine and sleep deprived EEG studies, we also offer home-based video ambulatory EEG monitoring, an alternative to in-clinic or hospital monitoring. Studies are performed by experienced EEG scientists and interpreted only by experienced epileptologists with advanced level 3 EEG accreditation and experience in comprehensive epilepsy monitoring units.

Referring doctors: [Refer a patient online]

Patients: Please discuss the appropriate investigation with your treating doctor.

Which EEG investigation is appropriate?

Routine EEG:

A routine EEG records electrical activity from the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp. It is commonly used when investigating suspected epileptic seizures, evaluating a first unprovoked seizure, or assisting with epilepsy syndrome classification. The recording lasts approximately 20 minutes, with a total appointment time of 30–45 minutes.

Sleep-Deprived EEG:

Sleep-deprived EEG is performed following a period of restricted sleep to increase the opportunity to record drowsiness, sleep and interictal epileptiform abnormalities. It may be considered when epilepsy remains clinically suspected despite an unrevealing routine EEG. The recording lasts approximately 40 minutes, with a total appointment time of 60 minutes. Specific sleep restriction and transport instructions are provided before the appointment.

Home Video-Ambulatory EEG Monitoring:

Home video-ambulatory EEG permits prolonged recording of brain activity, with synchronised video, while patients remain in their usual home environment. Continuous recordings typically extend over 2–4 days, with longer studies available when clinically indicated.

This investigation may be useful when:

  • Recurrent episodes of altered awareness, behavioural arrest or unusual movements remain unexplained.

  • A typical event is unlikely to occur during a brief routine EEG.

  • Nocturnal seizures or parasomnias are being considered.

  • Differentiation between epileptic and non-epileptic events requires capture of habitual symptoms.

  • Clinically unrecognised seizures or seizure burden require further assessment.

A normal EEG does not exclude epilepsy, and prolonged monitoring does not guarantee that a typical event will be captured.

What happens during home video-EEG monitoring?

At the initial appointment, an EEG scientist applies scalp electrodes and connects them to a portable recording device.

Patients then return home with the recording equipment, including a video camera when video-EEG has been requested.

During monitoring, patients can continue many of their usual daily activities, subject to equipment restrictions and clinical safety advice. Patients are asked to keep a diary and activate an event marker when symptoms occur.

Following the recording period, patients return to BCNC for electrode removal and equipment collection.

Home monitoring is a diagnostic investigation and is not a substitute for emergency medical observation.

Specialist EEG Interpretation

EEG studies are interpreted by consultant epileptologists at Brisbane Clinical Neuroscience Centre, including:

Reports are provided to the referring clinician to assist further clinical assessment and management. Clinically urgent findings can be prioritised.

Fees and Medicare Rebates

BCNC is committed to providing accessible and affordable specialist EEG services, offering competitive out-of-pocket (gap) fees compared with other EEG providers for patients eligible for Medicare rebates.

We also offer bulk-billed EEG investigations for patients referred by neurologists from public hospitals, subject to Medicare eligibility and billing requirements.

Fees vary depending on the type and duration of EEG recording. Patients are informed of the total study fee, applicable Medicare rebate and expected out-of-pocket cost before their appointment.

For current fees and appointment availability, please contact BCNC directly.

Referrals for Doctors

BCNC accepts adult EEG referrals from general practitioners, neurologists and other medical specialists.

Referrals should include the clinical question, description and frequency of habitual events, relevant investigations and current medications.

Submit an EEG referral online: https://bcnc.com.au/referrals/

Referral guide for doctors: [Clinical referral guide]

Location and Contact

Brisbane Clinical Neuroscience Centre

Suite 1, Level 3, Salmon Building
537 Stanley Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101

Phone: (07) 3163 3600
Email: admin@bcnc.com.au

Website: https://bcnc.com.au/what-we-treat/electroencephalography-eeg/