What should you know about seizure tests?

The clinician will ask what you noticed before, during, and after the episode. A witness's description or a video can be useful because memory may be unclear afterward. An examination may check alertness, strength, movement, reflexes, and speech.

An electroencephalogram, or EEG, records electrical activity in the brain through sensors on the scalp. Brain imaging such as CT or MRI may be considered when a structural cause needs checking. Blood tests can look for changes such as low glucose or mineral imbalance. A test result is interpreted alongside the event; one test alone does not define every seizure.

Write down the time, setting, sleep, food, alcohol, medicines, illness, and warning sensations around the event. Bring a list of prescribed and non-prescribed medicines, and ask a witness to describe movements, responsiveness, breathing, and recovery. Follow the testing instructions given by the clinic, especially for an EEG.

Call emergency services if a seizure lasts longer than usual, repeats without recovery, causes a serious injury, happens in water, or breathing does not return normally. Urgent assessment is also needed for a first seizure, pregnancy, diabetes, or a new severe headache, fever, stiff neck, or confusion. These symptoms can occur with conditions such as Meningitis or Hypoglycaemia and need prompt medical attention.

Ask which test is planned and what it can and cannot show. Ask whether you should avoid driving, swimming alone, heights, or operating machinery while the cause is being assessed, and when you will receive the result.