Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the world. If you have epilepsy, tiny electrical signals in your brain can cause you to have seizures again and again. But not every seizure means you have epilepsy. Some seizures happen because of, low blood sugar, fainting or other health issues.
At Banner Health, we take a careful, step-by-step approach to epilepsy testing and evaluation. Our goal is to find out if you have epilepsy, what kind of seizures you might have and how to help you find the best treatment.
Epilepsy is different for each person. Seizures can look different, too. Some people might faint or lose consciousness. Others might stare or make small, uncontrollable movements. Because seizures can be so different, tests are needed to find out if they are caused by epilepsy.
Testing helps specialists:
If you do not test, treatment might be delayed or not work as well. Testing helps you have a clear plan based on real answers.
Diagnosis starts with your medical history and a physical exam. Your health care provider will ask about your seizures, what they looked like and if anyone in your family has had similar issues. A neurological exam checks reflexes, strength and thinking skills.
In most cases, a neurologist makes the initial diagnosis and orders tests like an EEG or MRI. If seizures are hard to control or more advanced care is needed, you may be referred to an epileptologist – a neurologist who has extra training in epilepsy.
Health care specialists use this information, along with other imaging and monitoring tests, to confirm epilepsy and guide next steps in care. Testing for epilepsy may take more than one appointment. Some tests are quick, while others may require a hospital stay.
An EEG is one of the most common tests for epilepsy. Small sensors are placed on your scalp to record brain activity. The test looks at unusual patterns that may show seizure activity.
This test combines EEG with video recording. You stay in the hospital where both your brain waves and body movements are monitored.
An MRI uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the brain.
A CT scan uses X-rays to make cross-sectional images of the brain.
Sometimes seizures are caused by infections, electrolyte imbalances or genetic conditions. Blood tests check for these problems.
A spinal tap is not always needed but it can be done if your provider suspects an infection like meningitis.
For some patients, advanced testing might be recommended:
Sometimes diagnosing epilepsy can take time. You might need several tests before your care team has enough information. In some cases, test results may be unclear and you might need to repeat tests.
Doctors must rule out other causes before confirming epilepsy. Conditions to consider include heart rhythm problems, stroke or psychological conditions. This process, called differential diagnosis, ensures you receive the correct treatment for your specific condition.
The goal is always accuracy. A clear diagnosis prevents unnecessary treatments and ensures you receive the care that suits your needs. Even if the process feels lengthy, it’s a valuable investment in your health.
Once testing is finished, your provider will explain the results. If epilepsy is confirmed, a treatment plan will be developed. This may include:
Getting an epilepsy diagnosis can be frightening, but it also marks a turning point. It provides answers, opens doors to treatment and helps you handle life more confidently.
If you think you might have epilepsy or have had more than one seizure, don’t wait. Schedule a diagnostic evaluation with Banner Health today. Early testing can improve your safety, independence and quality of life.
You don’t have to face epilepsy alone. Our team is here to guide you through the entire process, from diagnosis to treatment.
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