August 9-10, 2022 "24 hour EEG"

Rayden's neurologist ordered a 24 hour ambulatory EEG to hopefully capture any abnormal discharges. She will then review the EEG and the recent MRI with one of their pediatric epileptologists to see if they can pinpoint the origin of the seizures. It may take up to a week for the study to be read and then we will meet again. After seeing the MRI report (See April 26, 2022), I honestly don't know how they are going to pinpoint the origin. There are at least 6 out of 8 abnormalities in his brain that can cause seizures! 

Luckily, Rayden is older this time and understands what's going on. Although he talked to the technician the entire time, he laid perfectly still while he measured his head, marked on his scalp with the pencil, placed all 23 electrodes and dried the glue. The electrodes were then covered by a net cap and attached to a special recorder that is slightly larger than a portable cassette player. He placed this recorder inside a disposable back pack so Rayden could walk around and not worry about it. As soon as we got back to the lobby, Rayden reminded me that he was 'good.' This meant he wanted Starbucks caramel like his nurse spoiled him with last year. It has now become a traditional thing for him. 

We were fortunate enough to spend the night at the Ronald McDonald House instead of the hospital. That made the 24 hours a little more bearable for Rayden. He thought it was more of a sleepover with his two grandmas. He was able to walk around outside, visit the playground, enjoy the playroom, and watch a little TV. He was even allowed to get two prizes from the Rack Room (Bop-it, and Sand Art). This kept him busy until dinner. Then he literally was ready for bed at 8:30! Rayden and I tried to sleep on the cot while Nanny and Granny got the beds. Needless to say, we didn't sleep very well. 

Rayden did not have one of his seizures while wearing the EEG. His doctor had already informed me the likelihood of recording a seizure during a routine EEG is small. The neurologist will be looking for spikes or sharp waves, not just seizure activity. I just hope they can gain some information that will help him. 

Removing the EEG wasn't as easy as placing them. The technician had to use acetone that smelled like nail polish remover. The smell was so strong that it made Rayden cough bad and his eyes started burning. When she finally got all the glue out, she rubbed oil all over his scalp and proceeded to give him a mohawk. He thought that was funny!