EEG Ambulatory 3

Question 1

What is a significant limitation of ambulatory EEG compared to inpatient video-EEG monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Many ambulatory systems lack time-synchronized video, making behavioral correlation difficult

Answer

Ambulatory EEG cannot record during sleep

Answer

Ambulatory EEG uses fewer than 8 channels

Answer

Ambulatory recordings are limited to 4 hours maximum

Question 2

Which clinical scenario is MOST appropriate for ordering an ambulatory EEG?

Accepted Answer

A patient with frequent weekly events that have not been captured on routine EEG

Answer

A patient with a single lifetime seizure and normal neuroimaging

Answer

Pre-surgical evaluation for epilepsy surgery

Answer

A comatose ICU patient with suspected nonconvulsive status epilepticus

Question 3

Impedance checks during ambulatory EEG should be performed:

Accepted Answer

At hookup and at each follow-up visit or when the recording device is checked

Answer

Only at the initial hookup

Answer

Never, as they interrupt the recording

Answer

Only if artifacts are visible on the recording

Question 4

How does an ambulatory EEG system handle data storage for a 72-hour recording?

Accepted Answer

Data is stored on a compact flash card, SD card, or internal memory in the portable recording device

Answer

Data is transmitted in real-time to the hospital over cellular networks

Answer

Only abnormal segments are recorded to save space

Answer

Data is recorded on magnetic tape cassettes

Question 5

Sleep staging during ambulatory EEG is important because:

Accepted Answer

Sleep architecture documentation helps identify state-dependent abnormalities and certain disorders like parasomnias

Answer

It determines whether the recording device was functioning properly

Answer

It is required by insurance for reimbursement

Answer

It verifies the patient followed instructions about activity restrictions

Question 6

What guidance should patients receive about bathing and water exposure during an ambulatory EEG recording?

Accepted Answer

Patients should avoid submerging the recording equipment in water and typically should not shower or bathe to maintain electrode integrity

Answer

Normal bathing and swimming are permitted

Answer

Brief hot showers are encouraged to improve electrode contact

Answer

Water exposure has no effect on ambulatory EEG recordings