Before a client's EEG, what important instruction should be provided?

Prior to an EEG, it's essential for clients to prepare their scalp to ensure accurate readings and minimize any potential interference. The most important instruction is to wash their hair before the procedure and to avoid using any styling products afterward.

Shampooing helps to remove oils, dirt, and any residues from hair products that could affect the contact between the electrodes and the scalp. Clean, product-free hair allows for better conductivity and thus better quality recordings from the EEG. Being free of styling products like gels or sprays is particularly important because these can create barriers that prevent the electrodes from making direct contact with the skin, potentially leading to artifacts or erroneous readings.

Other instructions might seem relevant, such as avoiding shampooing for several days or concerns about eating a meal before the test, but they do not have the same immediate impact on the quality of EEG recordings. Similarly, while medication adherence is important, the timing and type of medication should be discussed with a healthcare provider, rather than being generalized as a blanket instruction. Therefore, ensuring that the client’s hair is clean and free from any products is the most critical preparation step before an EEG.