Combined Video EEG and Polysomnography

Combined video EEG and polysomnography brings together two diagnostic tests for enhanced diagnosis of neurological sleep disorders, blackouts and seizures.

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What is combined video EEG and polysomnography?

Unique to Welbeck, our combined video EEG and polysomnography service brings together the benefits of home video telemetry and polysomnography in one test. This in-depth diagnostic investigation provides a detailed understanding of your brain activity, eye movements, heart rate, muscle tone, and breathing pattern while you sleep.

Rather than being performed in isolation, the combination of these tests is particularly useful as they can help to accurately diagnose and differentiate between neurological sleep disorders, such as sleep apnoea, sleep-related movement disorders (such as periodic leg movement disorder), and parasomnias, and other problems such as blackouts and seizures. The results of the tests can help pinpoint the cause of your symptoms, allowing our team to deliver the most effective treatment.

Combined video EEG and polysomnography may be recommended if you’re experiencing:

  • blackouts and seizures
  • loud snoring or choking during sleep
  • excessive daytime tiredness
  • difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • sudden muscle weakness
  • unexplained night-time movements
  • restless or disturbed sleep patterns

At Welbeck, this test is conducted by our expert physiologists. You can either come to our dedicated Neurology centre to be fitted with the equipment before taking it home for a night, or we can visit you at home or our partner hotel to set up the equipment and collect it the next morning.

 

Paediatrics

We offer appointments to referred paediatric patients aged 12 to 18. For full information on our paediatrics service, please visit our main Paediatrics page.

What does combined video EEG and polysomnography involve?

The preparation for this test usually takes around 60 minutes. Your physiologist will talk you through each step and answer any questions you have. 

To begin, your physiologist will gently clean your scalp with a gritty gel. They’ll then attach small disposable electrodes to your scalp using a water-soluble paste. 

Additional electrodes will be applied to your shoulder area to record your heart rate, and to your chin and calf muscles to monitor muscle activity. A few electrodes will also be placed under your nose and on your finger. Breathing bands will be placed across your chest and belly areas. 

You’ll also be given a small video recorder that captures your movements and behaviour. Your physiologist will explain how to set this up and where it should be placed. 

Your physiologist will ensure the electrodes are working as they should be, and the test will begin. You’ll usually wear the equipment for 1 night. 

The sensor and video recordings gathered allow your physician to see what happens during your normal routine, sleep, and if you experience attacks or seizures.

The equipment will continue to record while you sleep, and you’ll return or have the equipment collected by us the next morning.

What are the risks of combined video EEG and polysomnography?

Video EEG is very safe. Some patients may experience mild skin irritation and allergic reactions at the electrode placement site.

Polysomnography is also very safe and painless. The sensors are non-invasive and don’t cause any harm.

Most patients experience no side effects, although a few may notice:

  • mild skin irritation from the adhesive pads
  • temporary discomfort from sleeping with the sensors
  • light tiredness if you didn’t sleep as deeply as usual

How to prepare for combined video EEG and polysomnography

Please let the physiologist know if you have an allergy to latex or plaster tape before doing the test.

You should eat, drink, and take any medication as you normally would before the study, unless you are advised otherwise. Please bring a list of your medications with you.

Your hair should be clean and free of hair products so the electrodes can be easily stuck to your head. As the equipment prevents you from pulling clothes over your head, it’s best to wear a button-up or zip-up top.

Recovery and aftercare

Whether you’re at home or in our partner hotel, you may disconnect the electrodes and sensors yourself the following morning and return the equipment to Welbeck. If a hotel or home visit was arranged, your clinical physiologist will return on day 2 to collect the kit.

You may resume your normal activities immediately, but we suggest you wash your hair as a small amount of paste may remain.

The test results will not be available immediately, as the recordings need to be studied by the physiologist and the physician. Most patients will receive a report in 5 working days, and a follow-up consultation will be arranged to discuss your results and any next steps.

How much does private combined video EEG and polysomnography cost?

Please contact our Neurology centre for pricing information.

Why choose Welbeck?

At Welbeck, our neurology consultants are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Booking a private combined video EEG and polysomnography

To book an appointment for combined video EEG and polysomnography, you must be referred by either your GP or a neurologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck neurologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

FAQs

Is this test painful?

No, the test is painless. The electrodes may feel a little uncomfortable when they’re attached, but this is only temporary. You may also experience some mild skin irritation, but this should resolve by itself within a few days. 

Who will see the video recordings?

The recordings will be reviewed solely by your physiologist and consultant neurophysiologist. Video clips of any seizures or typical episodes captured will be retained, while those without any recorded events will be deleted.

Will I be able to sleep normally during the test?

Most patients find they can sleep reasonably well once they get used to wearing the sensors. The monitoring equipment is designed to be as discreet and comfortable as possible.