Epilepsy
Diagnosis

During your visit to the Epilepsy Center, we will record your medical history — as well as your family's medical history — and conduct diagnostic tests. Your neurologist will determine the type of seizures you're having and the cause. If you're diagnosed with epilepsy, your doctor will identify the specific type you have to determine the best treatment.

We will ask many questions about your seizures. If you lose consciousness during your seizures, please bring a family member or friend, 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 anything in particular trigger 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 seizures and what were the results?

If your primary care doctor has sent your medical records, we will review this information.

Please tell your neurologist about any medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter medications as well as vitamins, nutritional supplements or herbal remedies.

Your complete neurological examination may include tests such as:

• Blood or urine tests
• Electrocardiogram (ECG), which measures heart activity
• Electroencephalogram (EEG), which measures electrical activity in your brain
• Imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-rays

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.