It is not uncommon for a person to experience a single seizure during his or her lifetime. Isolated seizures may occur during early childhood, or they may be brought on by certain circumstances, such as a high fever or prolonged sleep deprivation. However, if a person has more than one seizure, a diagnosis of epilepsy should be considered.

When a seizure occurs, the person affected usually will not be able to recall it. If a spouse, family member or friend witnessed the episode, he or she will be able to provide important information to help a doctor determine what happened.

If you lose consciousness or experience unusual body movements, a doctor will need to determine whether you had an actual seizure. If it was a seizure, the doctor will try to determine whether it was caused by a short-term problem, such as an infection or fever. In these cases, the problem can be treated easily. In other cases, there may be a structural problem in the brain that is causing you to have seizures, or you may have problems with the way your brain’s electrical system works.

Your doctor will order tests to confirm your diagnosis and to see whether there is any identifiable cause for your epilepsy. Tests may include:

Blood test

This will help to give a picture of your general health. A blood test also may show any metabolic reason for your seizures.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)
An EEG measures electrical activity of the brain. The procedure is painless and lasts about 35 to 45 minutes. Small electrodes are placed on several areas of the scalp. The electrodes transmit information about brain waves. This information is then recorded onto paper for analysis.

An EEG is of value only if patterns of epilepsy occur during the procedure. A negative EEG does not rule out a diagnosis of epilepsy.

Computed tomography (CT)

A CT scan is a computerized X-ray that provides a three-dimensional view of body structures. Prior to the test, a technician may inject dye into one of your veins to make the scan easier to read. The dye may make you feel hot and flushed, it may leave a metallic taste in your mouth, or it may make you feel nauseated for a moment.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Similar to a CT scan, an MRI provides a three-dimensional view of body structures. However, an MRI uses magnetic fields — not radiation — for imaging. MRI may provide better definition of brain structures than a CT scan.

Here are numerous strong, great pluses of generic online pharmacy. The medicines that are available at an online drugstore are usually much more economical than that are affordable in a nearest pharmaceutical establishment.

Sorry, comments are closed.