How to Test for Seizures

A seizure is a type of neurological disturbance caused by abnormal electrical impulses in the brain. According to the Mayo Clinic, nearly 1 percent of Americans will experience at least one seizure in their lifetime. A seizure can be a side effect of other health conditions. However, if you have two seizures with no apparent cause, you should be tested for a seizure disorder.

Instructions

• 1

  Recognize seizure symptoms. Typical jerky movements in the arms and legs accompany many seizures. Certain types of seizures look more like a staring spell or a momentary pause in brain activity. Most people who have seizures also lose consciousness and have no memory of the event.

• 2

  See your doctor and explain your symptoms to him. He will ask you about your previous health history and current seizure symptoms. You doctor will be very interested in the activities that directly preceded your seizure symptoms. Seizures often cause memory loss, so if there was anyone who was present during your seizure, you may want to bring her with you. She may be able to provide valuable information about the incident to your doctor.

• 3

  Go through a thorough physical exam to rule out any other health conditions that might cause isolated seizures. Your doctor will also give you a neurological exam, testing your motor skills and intellectual capacity. He will want to examine your muscle strength, eyesight and reflexes to check for signs of a seizure disorder.

• 4

  Undergo several types of diagnostic tests to rule out other illnesses and test your overall health. You will be asked for a blood sample. Your doctor will use the analysis of your blood to monitor your red and blood cell counts, as well as the levels of sugar and calcium in your blood. Another common test used for a seizure disorder is the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. An MRI scan will provide high-resolution images of your brain tissue, allowing your doctor to see any anomalies.

• 5

  Have an electroencephalogram (EEG) done to measure the electrical impulses in your brain. An EEG is often considered the most important test for a seizure disorder. The technician will put electrodes on your head, which measure the electrical impulses in your brain. The process for a standard takes about 90 minutes and measures 20 minutes of brain activity. To definitively diagnose a seizure condition, you may have to undergo prolonged EEG monitoring in a specialized hospital facility, having your electrical impulses monitored for abnormal activity.