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An EGG is a fairly simple test which is not performed at most hospitals, but is a great way to document a patient's nausea. An EGG, or electrogastrogram, is basically like an EKG or EEG of the stomach. Electrodes are placed on the skin in the area of the stomach and the technician records the electrical activity of the stomach. Normal activity is 3 cpm (cycles per minute). Patients with nausea and/or vomiting will often show gastric dysrhythmias such as tachygastria (too much activity), bradygastria (too little activity), or mixed dysrhythmias (tachygastria and bradygastria)1. Usually the patient will be asked to eat a small meal a couple of hours before the test (such as toast and OJ) and the technician will record the activity of the stomach for a certain amount of time. The patient will then be asked to drink water. Before the test, and at ten minute intervals during the test, the technician will document the patient's symptoms. An abnormal EGG may or may not be present in Gastroparesis, and can be used for a variety of GI motility disorders or for patients with no known GI disorder who are suffering from unexplained nausea2. Doctors and technicians at any hospital can learn how to record EGG's and analyze results. More information can be obtained by contacting the company listed below. 3CPM Company 1. http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/152091501750220019 2. http://www.cpmc.org/services/gi/egg.html
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