Expert EEG Brain Wave Testing in Sydney
Same-Day Results • No Long Wait Times • Expert Neurologist
What this service is. EEG here is a clinical test, not a neurological consultation. You receive the test and a same-day expert report; your treating doctor interprets the findings and decides what happens next. A consultation with Dr Granot can be arranged separately — request an appointment or call 02 9388 0615.
Accurate diagnosis for epilepsy, seizures, fits, faints, and neurological conditions at Bondi Junction
What is a brain wave test?
A brain wave test is an EEG (electroencephalogram): a painless test that records your brain's electrical activity through small sensors (electrodes) on your scalp. A routine EEG takes about 40 minutes and a sleep-deprived EEG about an hour. It helps your doctor diagnose epilepsy and understand seizures, blackouts and other unexplained episodes. Your report goes to your doctor the same day.
- Painless
- About 40 minutes
- Same-day report to your doctor
- Referral needed for the Medicare rebate
Why Choose East Neurology for Your EEG Test?
We understand that neurological symptoms need prompt investigation. Our streamlined EEG testing provides fast, accurate results.
Same-Day Results
Your neurologist analyses and reports findings on the same day. Report sent to your referring doctor that evening. No waiting weeks for results.
Expert Interpretation
Performed and interpreted by experienced neurologist Dr. Ron Granot. University Medal recipient with dual fellowship training in neurophysiology.
Convenient Scheduling
EEG testing available during regular clinic hours. Both standard and sleep-deprived EEG options. Clear preparation instructions provided.
State-of-Art Equipment
Modern 23-electrode EEG system with digital recording. High-quality brain wave analysis for accurate diagnosis.
Accessible Location
Located in Bondi Junction with easy access by train, bus, and car. Serving all of Sydney's eastern suburbs and beyond.
Clear Communication
A plain-language report goes to your doctor, who explains what it means for you.
What is an EEG (Electroencephalogram)?
Understanding brain wave testing and what it can tell us about your neurological health
How It Works
An EEG (electroencephalogram) is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of your brain—your "brain waves." We place 23 small gold-plated electrodes on your scalp using conductive paste. These electrodes detect the natural electrical signals your brain produces.
The test is completely painless—you simply relax while we record your brain's electrical activity. The electrodes only detect signals; they don't send any electricity into your brain.
Different patterns in your brain waves can indicate epilepsy, effects of medication, brain dysfunction, or other neurological conditions. The recording creates a visual map of your brain's electrical activity that our neurologist carefully analyses.
What It Diagnoses
The EEG is primarily used to diagnose and monitor:
Most common reason for EEG testing
Different types of seizure disorders
Episodes of collapse or loss of consciousness
Absence seizures and other episodes
Brain function after trauma
Cognitive decline assessment
Abrupt fear, déjà vu, strange feelings
Delirium and other conditions
More on EEG: EEG after a first seizure · EEG for epilepsy · Sleep-deprived EEG · EEG after a head injury · Fits, faints and blackouts · EEG in dementia
What to Expect During Your EEG Test
Understanding the process helps you prepare and feel comfortable during the test
Preparation
Come in with clean, dry hair—no oils, gels, or products. For sleep-deprived EEG, you'll receive specific instructions about staying awake the night before (usually waking at 2 AM and remaining awake). Don't drive yourself to a sleep-deprived EEG.
Electrode Placement (10-15 minutes)
We apply 23 small gold-plated disc electrodes to your scalp using sticky conductive paste. This is painless—you'll just feel the gentle pressure of the electrodes being positioned. The paste washes out easily afterward.
Recording Session (20-40 minutes)
You'll relax in a comfortable chair (or lie down for sleep-deprived EEG). We'll ask you to: open and close your eyes, breathe rapidly for a short period (hyperventilation), and watch flashing lights. These procedures help reveal different types of epilepsy patterns.
Sleep-Deprived EEG (if ordered)
For sleep-deprived EEG, the recording lasts about an hour to give you time to fall asleep naturally. Sleep reveals epilepsy patterns more readily than wakeful recordings. The test is done lying down in a quiet, darkened room.
Completion & Results
After recording, we remove the electrodes. You can wash your hair to remove any remaining paste. Your neurologist analyses the results the same day and sends a comprehensive report to your referring doctor that evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EEG test painful?
No, the EEG is completely painless. The electrodes only detect your brain's electrical signals—they don't send any electricity into your brain. You'll feel the electrodes being placed on your scalp, but there's no discomfort during the recording.
How long does the EEG take?
A routine EEG takes about 40 minutes total, including electrode placement and removal. Sleep-deprived EEG takes about an hour as the recording is longer to give you time to fall asleep. Plan to be at the clinic for 45-60 minutes for routine EEG, or 60-75 minutes for sleep-deprived EEG.
Do I need a referral?
Yes, a referral from your GP or specialist is required for Medicare rebates on EEG testing. Your referral should mention the reason for the test (e.g., possible seizures, epilepsy, fits, faints, or other neurological symptoms).
What is a sleep-deprived EEG and why might I need one?
A sleep-deprived EEG involves staying awake most of the night before your test (typically waking at 2 AM and staying awake). Sleep deprivation and the natural sleep during the test reveal epilepsy patterns more readily than standard EEG. Your neurologist will let you know if this type is needed for your case.
How should I prepare for the test?
Arrive with clean, dry hair—no oils, gels, conditioners, or hair products. For sleep-deprived EEG, follow the specific sleep instructions provided (wake at 2 AM, stay awake, no caffeine). Continue all regular medications unless told otherwise. Remove earrings and pull back long hair.
When will I get my results?
Your neurologist analyses the EEG on the same day and sends a comprehensive report to your referring doctor that evening. This allows your doctor to discuss results with you quickly and plan any necessary treatment.
What will the test show?
The EEG shows your brain wave patterns. Abnormalities like spikes, spike-wave complexes, or asymmetries can indicate epilepsy, brain dysfunction, medication effects, or other conditions. The neurologist looks for specific patterns that help diagnose temporal lobe epilepsy, absence seizures, focal seizures, and other neurological disorders.
What does an abnormal EEG mean?
It means the recording showed a pattern outside the normal range. On its own it is not a diagnosis. Some patterns, such as sharp "spikes", point to a tendency to have seizures. Others, such as slower waves, are less specific: they can follow a head injury or a recent seizure, or come from some medicines or other conditions that affect the brain. Mild changes are common and often not serious. Your doctor reads the report together with your symptoms and history before deciding what it means for you.
Can I have epilepsy if my EEG is normal?
Yes. A routine EEG records only 20 to 40 minutes of brain activity, and the changes linked to epilepsy often come and go, so a normal result does not rule epilepsy out. If your doctor still suspects it, a repeat EEG or a sleep-deprived EEG gives a better chance of capturing those changes. A normal EEG is still useful: together with your history, it helps your doctor build the full picture.
Can an EEG detect a seizure I had in the past?
Not directly. An EEG records your brain only while the test is running, so it cannot replay a seizure that happened days or weeks ago. What it can show are patterns between seizures that suggest a tendency to have them. That is why a clear description of what happened, ideally from someone who saw it, matters as much as the test.
How soon after a seizure should I have an EEG?
Soon is better. An EEG done within a day or two of a first seizure is more likely to show useful changes than one done weeks later. A first seizure needs a medical review first, by your GP or the emergency department, who can refer you. When you call 02 9388 0615, let us know it is after a seizure: we can't always promise an early appointment, but we will try to fit you in.
Can I drive after the test?
For routine EEG, yes. For sleep-deprived EEG, you should NOT drive yourself to or from the appointment as you'll be sleep-deprived and may fall asleep during the test. Arrange for someone to drive you or use public transport/taxi.
Visit East Neurology for Your EEG Test
Address
Suite 301, Level 3, Harley Place
251 Oxford Street
Bondi Junction NSW 2022
Phone
Testing Hours
Monday - Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Weekend: Closed
Getting Here
5-minute walk from Bondi Junction station
Multiple bus routes on Oxford Street
Parking available nearby
Serving Sydney's Eastern Suburbs
Bondi, Bondi Beach, Bronte, Coogee, Double Bay, Rose Bay, Bellevue Hill, Vaucluse, Randwick, Kensington, Woollahra, Paddington, Edgecliff, Waverley, Queens Park, and all of greater Sydney.
Ready for Your EEG Brain Wave Test?
Fast, accurate diagnosis with same-day results. Expert neurologist interpretation.