Under epilepsy work up currently everything normal so far but my neuro says to order a pet? why is this? could he be looking for cancer?

In addition to detecting cancer, a pet can can detect what part of the brain causes epileptic seizures. Your physician or neurologist lists the reason for the pet scan so that the proper radioactive isotope will be used in the test.

If chronic recalcitrant epilepsy is present, and essentially out of control, a PET scan could reveal a focal area which might benefit from surgical resection. However, under the described situation, I would first try a Vagal Nerve Stimulator. Hard to predict if insurance will pre-authorize this very expensive procedure (PET scan).

While a PET scan would be helpful, a CT scan of your brain is more likely to be approved by your insurance carrier. Focal lesions in the brain can be connected to the origins of seizure activity.