Electrogastrogram

What is an electrogastrogram?

An electrogastrogram, sometimes called an EGG, is a noninvasive, painless diagnostic test. Your doctor may use an electrogastrogram to help diagnose problems with the nerves and muscles of your stomach. An electrogastrogram uses electrical signals to measure the activity of muscles and nerves in your stomach. It is a test that can detect problems with digestion in your stomach. Currently, many insurance companies consider an electrogastrogram to be experimental technology. Check with your insurance company and your doctor about your coverage.

An electrogastrogram is only one method your doctor can use to diagnose stomach digestion problems. You should discuss different diagnostic options with your doctor to best understand which option is right for you. 

Why is an electrogastrogram performed?

An electrogastrogram is a procedure that your doctor may recommend to diagnose diseases and conditions of your stomach. These include:

• Chronic dyspepsia is long-term, recurrent indigestion. Symptoms include a painful or burning feeling in the upper abdomen. It is usually occurs with nausea, bloating, gas, a feeling of fullness, and, sometimes, vomiting.
• Chronic nausea and vomiting that is unexplained
• Flatulence, belching, and gas pain that is unexplained
• Gastroparesis, a stomach disorder in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents. Most often, this condition is a complication of type 1 diabetes. It can also occur in persons with type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, anorexia, hypothyroidism, and scleroderma.

How is an electrogastrogram performed?  

A nurse or a technician will likely perform your electrogastrogram in a hospital or outpatient setting. After the test, a gastroenterologist will study the recordings for any irregularities. A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in diseases and disorders of the gastrointestinal or digestive tract.

The procedure is non-invasive and will take about two hours. It generally includes these steps:

1. You dress in a patient gown.
2. You lie on your back on a procedure table.
3. Your nurse or technician tapes electrodes to your abdomen (belly). The electrodes are similar to those used for other tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG). The electrodes measure electrical signals coming from your stomach muscles. They send the signals to a computer that records the signals as a graph.
4. Your nurse or technician records a test while your stomach is empty. An hour later, you have something to eat and drink. Your nurse or technician then records a second test. The test and electrodes are painless.
5. Once the test is complete, your team removes the electrodes.
6. You may wait a short period of time while your team verifies that the recording is complete. Usually, you can go home immediately after the test.

Will I feel pain?

Your comfort and relaxation is very important to both you and your care team. An electrogastrogram is a painless procedure with no side effects. If you have any discomfort, tell a member of your healthcare team.

What are the risks and potential complications of an electrogastrogram? 

There are no known risks associated with a diagnostic electrogastrogram. The electrodes used in an electrogastrogram sense electrical signals from the muscles in your stomach. This is similar to an electrocardiogram (ECG) that senses electrical signals from your heart.

How do I prepare for my electrogastrogram?

If you dread the thought of undergoing diagnostic testing, you are not alone. Remember that an electrogastrogram is a painless test. Follow any instructions from your team about not eating or drinking before your electrogastrogram. There is no additional preparation needed for an electrogastrogram other than learning about what to expect.

Questions to ask your doctor

Preparing for any medical testing can be stressful. It is common for patients to forget some of their questions during a brief doctor’s office visit. You may also think of other questions after your appointment. Contact your doctor with concerns between appointments. You should also write down your questions and bring the list to your appointment. Common questions include: