Hospital testing (EEG, EEG/NIRS)

In Nebraska, we will begin collaborating with Saint Elizabeth's Regional Medical Center to conduct a study on early language development starting at the end of May.

Please contact Caitlin if you are interested in participating. More information will be posted soon!

Procedure

A researcher applies a net of soft sponges to your baby's head. A series of simple speech sounds are played through a speaker. As your child listens to the sounds, his or her brain will respond. The net is designed to pick up these responses and record them onto a computer. This recording is compared to similar recordings from other babies. By comparing these recordings and those that we collect from future visits from these children, we hope to find a way to detect learning disabilities such as dyslexia and language delays. Our objective is to identify such disabilities within thirty-six hours after birth instead of at an older age when parents and teachers see delays in school abilities. The development of this detection technique will enable parents and teachers to help the child before he or she begins to experience difficulties in language and reading skills.

How long should the test last?

• The test should last 30-45 minutes. We also would like to contact you to schedule a retest around the child's first birthday.

Other Important Information

• We are usually at the hospital Tuesdays and Thursdays. We will invite families to participate after the pediatrician's rounds ~9:30-10 a.m.
• We will make sure to finish test well before your check-out time.
• You are welcome to be in the room during the testing.

Testing procedures:

1. First, we will mark the top and center of your child's head so the net is in the same position for each baby.

2. We will swaddle your child to help minimize movements from hands and feet.

3. After letting the net soak in warm water, we will apply the net with your child laying down in their bassinet.

4. We will add more water to the sponges to make sure we pick up on the best brain signal possible! See the video to the right!

Current studies open for enrollment:

1. Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center: If you will be giving birth at Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center and are interested in participating, please contact Caitlin to pre-enroll in the study.