Question 1

what tests are used to diagnose epilepsy?

Accepted Answer

Several: The most useful is an examination by a neurologist. Often we doo an EEG, MRI of the brain, and occasionally other tests.

Question 2

at what age should i test my child for epilepsy?

Accepted Answer

None: With no symptoms of seizures, there is never any reason to test. Consult your pediatrician.

Question 3

are there test that can prove or disprove epilepsy?

Accepted Answer

Generally yes: It is easier to prove something exists, if you have an eeg monitor in place and the epileptic event is caught - it is generally considered proven.  However, depending on the type, duration & timing of eeg monitoring etc, does not mean one eeg disproves epilepsy.  It can be missed.  In some cases video monitored eegs are done for 72 hours to rule out non-epileptic seizures (pseudoseizures).

Question 4

what test can be done to confirm voltage gated potasium channel epilepsy?

Accepted Answer

Tests?: Autoimmune voltage-gated potassium channel complex encephalitis is a common form of autoimmune encephalitis. Patients with seizures due to this form of encephalitis commonly have medically intractable epilepsy and may require immunotherapy to control seizures. A combination of blood tests, eeg and MRI can help make the diagnosis.

Question 5

whats the wada test for epilepsy like?

Accepted Answer

Wada is for surgery: The wada test is not a test for epilepsy. With the wada test Pentobarbital is injected into the blood supply on one half  of the brain to put that part of the brain to sleep. That helps to determine which side of the brain contains the language function to help plan for epilepsy surgery where part of the brain is removed to control intractable seizures.

Question 6

is there a specific test for epilepsy?

Accepted Answer

EEG can help...: ...To identify some types of epilepsy, but is not always diagnostic. Some persons with epilepsy may have abnormal mri/ct scans or may have physical features suggestive of a disease process or syndrome.Some types are inherited, or due to exposures, illness, trauma or ingestions of certain medications or drugs. Still, the vast majority have idiopathic epilepsy, in which no clear cause is identified.

Question 7

is there a definitive test for epilepsy?

Accepted Answer

You bet: Classical is the eeg and yield may be higher with sleep deprivation, or if really tough, ambulatory eeg of value.  Rarely, patients are admitted to hospital and have video monitoring over 3-5 days.

Question 8

hi.i wanted to know can a blood test diagnose epilepsy.

Accepted Answer

NO: A test called an Electroencephalography (EEG), which is the recording of electrical activity along the scalp. EEG measures voltage fluctuations resulting from ionic current flows within the neurons of the brain. An EEG test is most often used to diagnose epilepsy.

Question 9

anyone have seizures but tests for epilepsy show up normal?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The eeg maybe normal even with clinical seizures. Your neurologist may suggest a prolonged eeg with video monitoring.

Question 10

is no eeg abnormalities on any eeg tests, always a answer that a person do guaranteed not have epilepsy?

Accepted Answer

Life and guarantees: The only things guaranteed in life are "death and taxes."  As for EEG tests, the Epilepsy Foundation says "a normal EEG does not mean that you did not have a seizure... one-half of all EEGs done for patients with seizures are interpreted as normal. Even someone who has seizures every week can have a normal EEG test... because the EEG only shows brain activity during the time of the test."

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Do I have epilepsy test

A member asked:

What tests are used to diagnose epilepsy?

A member asked:

At what age should i test my child for epilepsy?

A member asked:

Are there test that can prove or disprove epilepsy?

A member asked:

What test can be done to confirm voltage gated potasium channel epilepsy?

A member asked:

Whats the wada test for epilepsy like?

A member asked:

Is there a specific test for epilepsy?

A member asked:

Is there a definitive test for epilepsy?

A member asked:

Hi.i wanted to know can a blood test diagnose epilepsy.

A member asked:

Anyone have seizures but tests for epilepsy show up normal?

A member asked:

Is no eeg abnormalities on any eeg tests, always a answer that a person do guaranteed not have epilepsy?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?