HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Fainting While Having EEG Test?

Two days ago I had an eeg and I almost passed out during the 3 minute hypervetilating breathing stage of the test. I have been for more than a year dizzy and sometimes I have passed out. What does it mean when I pass out during the eeg while lying down? I normally have syncope while standing. They were able to induce it while I was lying down and that surprised me. I see the neurologist on nov. 20. YYYY@YYYY
Fri, 11 Sep 2015
Report Abuse
Cardiologist,  's  Response
Hello!

Thank you for asking on HCM!

I understand your concern, and would explain that your symptoms seem to be related to epileptic seizures.

You should know that hyperventilation is one of the EEG techniques (besides photostimulation), to induce excitability of the brain cells and gain more information on the brain cell work under extreme conditions.

Hyperventilation causes a decrease in partial CO2 pressure on the brain cells, which induces a excitability of the brain cells and even seizures.

This episode should be coupled with pathological paroxysmal activity in the EEG in order to confirm the epileptic activity of the brain cells, responsible for the fainting.

So it is very probable that your syncope may be related to seizures.

I recommend also performing a head up tilt test, to rule in/out a possible orthostatic hypotension, which could be responsible for some of your syncope while standing (not related to the seizures).

Hope to have been helpful!

Best regards,

Dr. Iliri
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Fainting While Having EEG Test?

Hello! Thank you for asking on HCM! I understand your concern, and would explain that your symptoms seem to be related to epileptic seizures. You should know that hyperventilation is one of the EEG techniques (besides photostimulation), to induce excitability of the brain cells and gain more information on the brain cell work under extreme conditions. Hyperventilation causes a decrease in partial CO2 pressure on the brain cells, which induces a excitability of the brain cells and even seizures. This episode should be coupled with pathological paroxysmal activity in the EEG in order to confirm the epileptic activity of the brain cells, responsible for the fainting. So it is very probable that your syncope may be related to seizures. I recommend also performing a head up tilt test, to rule in/out a possible orthostatic hypotension, which could be responsible for some of your syncope while standing (not related to the seizures). Hope to have been helpful! Best regards, Dr. Iliri