How is epilepsy diagnosed? Since different types of seizures respond to different treatments, your doctor will ask about family history and request several tests.
Evaluating patients with epilepsy is aimed at determining what type of seizures they are having and their cause.
During an EEG, or electroencephalogram, electrical signals of the brain are recorded by sensors placed on the patient's scalp.
Certain blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel, may be recommended as part of your epilepsy diagnosis and treatment.
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan may be used to locate the part of the brain that is causing seizures.
One test for epilepsy is the spinal tap, which can measure pressure on the brain, the presence of abnormal cells or bacteria, and glucose levels.