An Overview of the Diagnostic Tests for Epilepsy

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC SCAN

A CT or CAT scan is a series of detailed x-rays, taken at different angles in the brain, that indicate where a seizure originates and if there are abnormalities in the brain or skull that relate to seizures.

ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM

An EEG is a primary diagnostic test that records brain waves and is used to detect epilepsy and the types of seizures present.

(See BC's Children's Hospital website - www.cw.bc.ca Diagnostic Neurophysiology Department), for an excellent children's slide show about EEG)

MAGNETOENCEPHALOGRAPHY/MAGNETIC SOURCE IMAGING

MEG/MSI records magnetic brain waves to assess brain function and structure.

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING

MRI uses magnetic fields instead of x-rays, to produce two and three- dimensional images of the brain. It can be used to detect brain tumors and other brain abnormalities. MRI may be used to measure small metabolic changes in the active part of the brain and can be used to map the areas used for thought, speech, movement and sensation.

POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY

A PET scan shows brain function, metabolism and how glucose is used in the brain through colour computer images.

FUNCTIONAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING

A functional MRI provides information about active brain tissue function and blood delivery and can find the exact location of a seizure area.

SINGLE PHOTON EMISSION COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

SPECT uses three-dimensional images to show blood flow in different areas of the brain (Individuals with epilepsy often have changes in blood flow when a seizure begins).