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•     Seizures and Autism
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Diagnosis

There is no diagnostic test for a seizure or for epilepsy. The doctor’s diagnosis is based on a thorough investigation of a first seizure (including any witness observations), a physical examination, family history, and supportive tests such as the EEG, CT scan, and MRI.  Sometimes even genetic testing is done. Neuro imaging tests are often recommended, even in cases of long-standing epilepsy, when the cause is unknown.

EEG (Electroencephalography) monitors brain activity through the skull.  EEG is often used to help diagnose certain seizure disorders.

This painless, risk-free test can be performed in a doctor’s office, at a hospital or testing facility.  Prior to having an EEG, the person must avoid caffeine intake and prescription drugs that affect the nervous system.  A series of cup-like electrodes are attached to the patient’s scalp, either with a special conducting paste or with extremely fine needles.  The electrodes (also called leads) are small devices that are attached to wires and carry the electrical energy of the brain to a machine for reading.  A very low electrical current is sent through the electrodes and the baseline brain energy is recorded.  Patients are then exposed to a variety of external stimuli—including bright or flashing light, noise or certain drugs.  The patient may be asked to open and close the eyes, or to change breathing patterns.  The electrodes transmit the resulting changes in brain wave patterns.  Since movement and nervousness can change brain wave patterns, patients usually recline in a chair or on a bed during the test, which takes up to an hour.  Testing for certain disorders requires performing an EEG during sleep, which takes at least 3 hours.

Video EEG Monitoring Test is a more specialized form of EEG in which the patient is constantly monitored over a video screen. This allows doctors to observe brainwave activity during the time a seizure or spell is occurring. It helps doctors determine the nature of a seizure or spell as well as how to most effectively treat the condition. This usually requires a hospital stay of 3-5 days.

CAT or CT scan is Computerized Axial Tomography which uses computer processing and x-rays to make a computer image of the brain in three dimensions.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imager) is a noninvasive diagnostic technique using computerized images of internal body tissue that can better define the structures of the brain in three dimensions. All electric currents make magnetic fields, and the MRI measures the strength of these fields.

MRS (Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy) is similar to the MRI but uses a stronger field and provides information about the brain’s functioning and biochemistry, which can be used in conjunction with structural MRI or CT images.

 fMRI (Functional MRI) detects changes in blood flow to particular areas of the brain and shows an anatomical and functional view of the brain.  Can look at discreet areas of the brain.

PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scanning is a highly specialized, expensive and largely unavailable technique that detects cerebral blood flow and metabolism using radioactive material.

SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) scanning is much cheaper and technically simpler than PET scanning for determining cerebral blood flow.

* Epilepsy Toronto

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World Health Organization