24 hour EEG at home is becoming an increasingly valuable tool to study the brain’s activity. While a standard EEG (see [Introduction to EEG]) usually lasts about 20 to 30 minutes, this short time is often not enough to catch abnormal brain activity. That’s why many doctors recommend the longer 24-hour EEG at home test.
In my daily practice as a clinical neurophysiologist, I often see patients who had a normal short EEG but continued to have symptoms. In those cases, a 24 hour EEG at home can make the difference in reaching the right diagnosis.
In this article, we’ll explain what it is, why it’s useful, how it works, and what patients should expect.
What Is a 24 Hour EEG?
An EEG records the brain’s electrical signals through small electrodes placed on the scalp. A 24 hour EEG at home simply means that the recording continues for an entire day, instead of just a few minutes.
This longer recording increases the chance of detecting seizures, sleep problems, or other abnormalities that might not appear in a short routine test.
Why Do Doctors Recommend a 24 Hour EEG at Home?
A neurologist may order a 24 hour EEG at home when:
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Seizures are suspected but routine EEG was normal.
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Epilepsy diagnosis needs confirmation.
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Sleep disorders (like parasomnias or sleep-related epilepsy) are suspected.
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Monitoring treatment for patients already diagnosed.
Doing the test at home helps capture brain activity in a natural setting. Stress and artificial hospital environments can sometimes hide or modify brain activity.
How Does a 24 Hour EEG at Home Work?
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Electrode placement: A technician applies small electrodes on the scalp using a safe, sticky paste or cap.
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Portable device: The electrodes are connected to a small recording device you can wear on your waist or shoulder.
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Go home: The patient goes home and lives normally (except for activities that could disturb the device, like showering).
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Recording: The system records continuously for 24 hours (sometimes 48h or even 72h).
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Diary: Patients or parents write down events like “felt dizzy,” “had a staring spell,” or “went to sleep.”
After the test, the device is returned, and the doctor reviews the recording with the diary to identify abnormal activity.
Benefits of Doing EEG at Home
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Comfort: No need to stay in a hospital room.
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Natural sleep: Helps capture real sleep patterns.
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Better for children: Less stress and more cooperation.
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Accuracy: Some seizures or events only appear in a familiar environment.
What to Expect During the Test
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Preparation: Wash your hair the night before, no oils or sprays.
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During monitoring: You can walk, eat, work, or sleep normally. Avoid removing electrodes or getting the device wet.
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After test: Electrodes are removed, and results are analyzed by a neurophysiologist or neurologist. Reports are usually ready in a few days.
Cost and Availability
The price of a 24 hour EEG at home varies depending on the country and healthcare system.
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In some hospitals, it’s covered by insurance.
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In private clinics, it can cost from a few hundred to more than a thousand dollars.
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Telemedicine and home monitoring services are becoming more common, especially for epilepsy patients.
Risks and Limitations
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Discomfort: Electrodes can feel itchy or uncomfortable for long periods.
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Availability: Not every hospital or clinic offers home EEG monitoring.
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Technical issues: Electrodes may fall off, and recordings may need to be repeated.
Overall, a 24 hour EEG at home is a safe and non-invasive test.
Conclusion
A 24 hour EEG at home is a safe, effective, and comfortable way to monitor brain activity over a longer period. It increases the chances of detecting seizures and sleep problems while letting patients remain in their own environment.
If your doctor recommends this test, it’s because it can provide valuable information that a short EEG might miss. Always discuss with your neurologist whether a 24 hour EEG at home is the right option for you or your child.
