In some cases, all or many tests for epilepsy can return normal.

An important part of diagnosis is an eyewitness account - a good description of the event(s) or symptoms. If possible, take an eyewitness when visiting the doctor so they can also be asked questions. Also try to find out if anyone in the family has ever had seizures before.

As part of diagnosis, the doctor will do routine physical and neurological examinations which may include blood tests. If epilepsy is suspected, there are several tests that may help to diagnose the condition and possibly establish a cause.

The following pages offer a guide to the tests used when diagnosing epilepsy. Not everyone with epilepsy needs every test. For example, CT and MRI are rarely useful in people with genetic forms of epilepsy, while PET and SPECT are generally used in people undergoing assessment for surgical treatment.

If you are unsure why your doctor has ordered or not ordered a particular test, you should ask.

For more information about episodes that could be misdiagnosed or confused with seizures... Click Here

Procedures for aiding the diagnosis of epilepsy:

EEG
This is a harmless test used to look at the electrical activity of the brain.

Neuroimaging
These are brain scans and incluce CT, MRI, SPECT and PET scans.

To find out more you can always email us at epilepsy@epilepsy.org.au

1300 EPILEPSY (1300 37 45 37)
Australia-Wide Priority Call