What testing is required to characterize the type of epilepsy?
When we need to characterize a type of epilepsy or differentiate true epilepsy from the non-epileptic variety, we perform an electroencephalogram (EEG). This is a study that analyzes the electrical activity of the brain (brain waves). In patients with epilepsy, we often find abnormalities that can assist in the diagnosis. The most common and characteristic abnormality is known as a spike discharge. This discharge is aptly named, as it resembles a spike. The location of the spike will help us to determine the location of the seizures focus (the part of the brain involved with the seizures). The most definitive information by far is obtained if the patient actually experiences a seizure during the EEG test. As most routine office EEGs last less than one hour, the clinician’s chance of witnessing a seizure during the test is unlikely unless the seizure events are very frequent. In cases where a diagnosis remains elusive, more prolonged monitoring is required to increase the likelihood of
