Epilepsy: Diagnosis & Tests (Seizure Disorder)

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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Epilepsy: Diagnosis & Tests
Category : Health Centers > Brain and Nervous System

Epilepsy

Alternate Names : Seizure Disorder

Epilepsy | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

How is the condition diagnosed?

Diagnosis of epilepsy begins with a history and physical exam. The healthcare provider will ask about contributing illnesses or injuries. An electroencephalogram, or EEG, will be ordered. An EEG measures electrical activity within the brain. If a seizure occurs during the EEG, the abnormal activity can be detected. A normal EEG does not rule out epilepsy. Other tests that may be ordered include the following:

blood tests to look for diseases or conditions causing the seizures

cranial CT scan to look for abnormalities in the brain

cranial MRI to provide a closer look at brain structures

positron emission tomography, or PET scans, to identify the abnormal brain area

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Epilepsy: Symptoms & Signs		Epilepsy: Prevention & Expectations

Author: Michael Curiel, MD
Reviewer: Barbara Mallari, RN, BSN, PHN
Date Reviewed: 09/04/01

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