Diagnosing epilepsy
Getting a diagnosis is not always easy as there is no single test that can diagnose epilepsy. Doctors gather lots of different information to assess the causes of seizures.
If you have had two or more seizures that started in the brain you may be diagnosed with epilepsy.
Diagnosing epilepsy usually involves collecting information from different tests, finding out what happens before, during, and after your seizures, and speaking to someone else who might have seen your seizures. With all the collected information the most likely cause of your seizures may be found.
EEG (Electroencephalogram)
An Electroencephalogram (EEG) records the electrical activity of the brain by picking up the electrical signals from the brain cells. These signals are picked up by electrodes attached to the head and are recorded on paper or on a computer. The recording shows how the brain is working.
How epilepsy is diagnosed
Diagnosing epilepsy is not simple. Doctors gather lots of different information to assess the causes of seizures. If you have had two or more seizures that started in the brain you may be diagnosed with epilepsy.
Tests for epilepsy
Blood tests, an Electroencephalogram (EEG) and scans are used to gather information for a diagnosis. Tests on their own cannot confirm or rule out epilepsy.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
An MRI scan will not say for certain whether the person has epilepsy or not. But alongside other information, it might help the specialist to decide what the likely cause of the seizures is.
Just diagnosed
This information was created with the help of people with epilepsy, and includes their views and experiences. It also includes information on topics people told us they would have found helpful when they were diagnosed with epilepsy.
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