Epilepsy

Epilepsy

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Diagnosis

During your visit to the Epilepsy Center, our team of doctors and other medical professionals will work to precisely diagnose your medical condition. Your neurologist will determine the type of seizures you're having and the cause and type of epilepsy you have. This information will help determine the best treatment plan for you.

Our staff will ask you about your medical history, as well as your immediate family's medical history. We will ask many questions about your seizures. If you have lost consciousness during your seizures, please bring a family member or friend to your evaluation who might help describe what happens during your seizures. Some of the questions you can expect include:

• How old were you when your seizures began?
• What was happening around you when you had your first seizure?
• Does it seem like anything in particular triggers your seizures?
• What do you experience during your seizures?
• What do observers notice when you have your seizures?
• How long do the seizures last?
• How frequently do they occur?
• What treatments have you received for your seizures and what were the results of these treatments?

If your primary care doctor has sent your previous medical records, we will review this information. Be sure to tell your neurologist about any medications you are currently using, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements or herbal remedies.

You will receive a complete neurological examination. This evaluation may include scheduling you for certain tests, such as blood or urine tests; an electroencephalogram (EEG), which measures electrical activity in your brain; an electrocardiogram (ECG), which measures heart activity; imaging tests such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans; and other procedures.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007