Neurology

What Are Sphenoidal Electrodes?

Most of the patients who come into the hospital for Long Term Monitoring have sphenoidal electrodes in addition to the standard EEG (scalp) electrodes. Sphenoidal electrodes monitor areas of the brain that standard scalp electrodes can miss. Therefore the information they provide is essential.

Sphenoidal electrodes are very thin, disposable, sterilized wires

How Do I Prepare For This Procedure?

You will be given the opportunity to ask a Strong Epilepsy Center (SEC) doctor any questions you may have before the electrodes are inserted. Please let the doctor know if you are allergic to any medications. We recommend that you avoid aspirin for three days prior to the procedure.

How Are Sphenoidal Electrodes Inserted?

Under sterile conditions, a SEC doctor inserts these thin wires into your cheeks just below the cheekbone on both sides of your face. The entire procedure takes about 30 minutes. Your cheek is shaved in front of the ear and the area is cleaned with betadine and alcohol solutions. A drape is placed over your face to maintain cleanliness. A local anesthetic, similiar to the one used by dentists, is sprayed over both sites.

A thin needle is used to place the sphenoidal wire. The needle is quickly removed but the wire stays in place.

A small amount of antibiotic ointment is placed at the entry site and the area is covered with a bandage. This will keep the electrodes in place during daytime and nighttime activities.

How Will You Feel After The Procedure?

Some patients feel an ache in their cheek for one to two days, especially when opening the mouth wide. Tylenol helps to relieve this discomfort. The wires are left in place for your entire stay in the hospital. The removal is simple and virtually painless. At the end of your Long Term Monitoring, we gently pull out the wires. The sphenoidal electrodes leave no permanent marks.