Electrogastrogram (EGG)
| What is an electrogastrogram (EGG)? What is an electrogastrogram (EGG)? An electrogastrogram (EGG) measures the electrical signals that travel through the muscles of the stomach and control the muscles' contraction. It is similar to an EKG, which measures the electrical signals of the heart. Why would a doctor recommend an electrogastrogram (EGG)? An EGG is used when a patient is suspected of having a motility disorder. This means that the muscles of the stomach or the nerves controlling the muscles do not work as they should. An EGG can help diagnose the cause of chronic nausea and vomiting. A doctor may recommend an EGG when he or she believes a patient may have gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying). What does an electrogastrogram (EGG) involve? The patient is awake and alert during the test, which takes around two hours. A technician or nurse first tapes electrodes onto the patient's abdomen. These electrodes will sense the electrical signals coming from the stomach muscles, and send the signals to a computer to be recorded for analysis. Recordings will first be made while the patient has an empty stomach. After about an hour, you will have something to eat and drink, and more recordings will be made. A doctor can study the electrical signals for irregularities, or other signs that the stomach muscles aren't working properly. How long is the recovery after an electrogastrogram (EGG)? The test is painless and has no side effects. You can resume normal activities immediately after the test.
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