Diagnosis of Epilepsy, Epilepsy Treatment, Epilepsy Management, Seizure, Epileptic Seizure

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

What are the tests?

There are various tests that greatly assist in the diagnosis and management of epilepsy. The most common are the EEG and MRI. The following list gives a brief description of each of these tests. It is important to remember that not every person diagnosed with epilepsy needs every test. Ask your doctor which tests are appropriate for your type of epilepsy.

• The EEG
• EEG Ambulatory Telemetry
• EEG Video/Telemetry
• CT Scanning
• MRI Scanning
• PET Scanning
• SPECT Scanning

The EEG

An electroencephalogram or EEG is a graphic record of the brain’s electrical rhythms. A number of small discs – electrodes – are positioned on the scalp and held in place with water-soluble glue or a special cap. These discs are attached to a machine that graphs the brain’s electrical activity onto paper or a computer screen. The graph is then studied for signs of irregular activity.

It is a simple, painless and harmless test that lasts less than one hour. During the test you may be asked to breathe deeply, to open and close your eyes and to look at a flashing light. No electricity passes from the machine to your brain. The EEG assists neurologists in determining the type of epilepsy you may have.

EEG Ambulatory Telemetry

At times it may be necessary to obtain an EEG recording over several hours or days. To do this you will be required to wear a small portable recorder while you go about your daily routine and when sleeping.

EEG Video/Telemetry

For some people, a stay in hospital may be necessary so that an EEG recording and video monitoring can be done simultaneously. This combined information can assist in the diagnosis of your epilepsy.

CT Scanning

Computed Tomography (CT or CAT scan) is an X-ray that takes cross-sectional images or ‘slices’ of the brain. A dye is injected into your arm or hand to enhance the quality of the images. You then lie on a mobile table that slides your head into the drum-shaped scanning unit. The unit turns in an arc about your head taking x-rays that are converted into images of your brain by a computer. The entire procedure takes about 30-45 minutes.

MRI Scanning

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a scanning technique that produces very clear pictures of your brain (and other parts of the body) and can detect minute abnormalities. MRI is not an x-ray. A strong magnetic field is used with radio frequency waves to measure the energy changes detected in your brain. The MRI computer builds these changes into very clear images of your brain. The scan is painless and safe, however, the scanning unit is very noisy. The procedure takes about 30 minutes.

PET Scanning

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is an imaging method that creates detailed computerised 3-D images of the brain. A PET scan requires an injection of a short-acting radioisotope into the blood. Scanning begins after a resting period of 30-45 minutes. 3-D images are created as the computer tracks the blood flow through the brain. The procedure takes around 30-60 minutes.

SPECT Scanning

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) also produces computerised 3-D images similar to PET. However, the radioisotopes used in SPECT are able to hold the image of the brain’s blood flow within minutes of the injection for up to 24 hours. Scans generally take 20 to 30 minutes.

 

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