Yes, doctors can tell what caused a seizure. Depending on the severity and symptoms of the seizure, a doctor can help to determine a cause such as a head injury, stroke, drug overdose, or an underlying medical condition.
An EEG may be used to test for abnormal brain activity associated with seizures. Additionally, a doctor may use imaging tests such as an MRI to show any structural abnormalities in the brain that could be contributing to seizures.
Additionally, blood tests, urine tests, and a lumbar puncture may be used to help diagnose the cause. And identifying the cause can help to determine the best course of treatment.
Table of Contents
Can seizures be traced?
Yes, seizures can be traced. In order to determine the cause of a seizure, it is important to identify, monitor and record the type of seizure and any other medical conditions present. Usually this can be done with electroencephalograms (EEGs), which are tests that track and record electrical activity in the brain.
The EEG allows doctors to measure the electrical activity of the brain and can help diagnose epilepsy, determine the type and cause of a seizure, and even detect if a seizure is coming. A doctor will usually look for a pattern in the EEG to trace a seizure or an abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Other methods used to trace and diagnose a seizure include a physical exam, neurological exam, blood tests, brain scans such as CT scans or MRIs, and a spinal tap. Electromyography (EMG) can also be used to measure electrical activity in muscles.
These tests can help determine whether a seizure is caused by a medical condition or another problem, such as a reaction to medication.
Will an EEG show past seizures?
No, an EEG (electroencephalogram) does not show past seizures. An EEG is a test to measure the electrical activity in the brain by placing electrodes on the scalp. It is used to detect abnormal brain activity that may indicate the presence of a seizure disorder.
For people who have a seizure disorder, an EEG may help determine if the seizure is partial (also known as focal) or generalized, locate where the seizure is starting in the brain, and help diagnose certain types of epilepsy.
While an EEG can be used to detect and monitor seizures, it cannot show or diagnose past seizures or seizures that occurred in the past. It is also not useful for detecting seizure activity in infants and children under the age of two.
What are the 3 most common causes of seizures in adults?
The three most common causes of seizures in adults are neurologic disorders, alcoholism, and drug use.
Neurologic disorders, such as epilepsy, can cause seizures because of abnormalities in the brain’s electrical activity. These can range from mild to severe and can be treated with medications or lifestyle changes.
Alcoholism is a common cause of seizures. Alcohol use can lead to low blood sugar, changes in brain chemistry, or electrolyte imbalances, all of which can lead to seizures. Excessive alcohol use can also lead to a condition known as alcohol withdrawal syndrome, which can cause seizures as well.
Finally, drug use is a major factor in adult seizures. Both illegal and prescription medications can have an effect on the brain’s electrical activity and can lead to seizures. Illicit drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, can cause seizures due to their stimulant effects.
Opioids, sedatives, and muscle relaxants can also have an effect and increase the risk of seizures.
Do seizures show up on MRI?
Yes, seizures can show up on MRI scans. An MRI can provide greater detail than other imaging tests, such as an X-ray or CT scan, and can also reveal abnormalities in brain structure that can be related to seizure activity.
If an MRI scan reveals an abnormality in the brain, such as a tumor, scar tissue, inflammation, or infection, these can be causes of seizures. MRI scans can also be used to identify the areas of the brain responsible for seizures, so a more precise treatment plan can be developed.
The most common type of MRI used to diagnose seizures is known as an Electroencephalograpy (EEG) MRI, which produces a high-resolution image of the brain and electrical activity.
How can a neurologist tell if you had a seizure?
A neurologist typically diagnoses epilepsy and/or seizure activity through a combination of clinical assessment, medical history, and diagnostic tests. During the clinical assessment, the neurologist will ask questions about the patient’s symptoms in order to determine if a seizure has occurred and to distinguish between different types of seizures.
The physician will also take a detailed personal and family medical history including a patient’s current medications to help narrow down possible causes of seizures.
Diagnostic tests may include an electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure electrical activity in the brain, a computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain, and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look for evidence of abnormalities in the brain structure.
Additional tests such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) or blood tests may also be ordered to rule out other potential causes of the patient’s symptoms. Evaluation of a patient’s mental status, laboratory results and medical imaging are important factors for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Based on the findings from the neurological assessment, evaluation, and diagnostic tests, the neurologist may then diagnose the type of seizure activity and discuss treatment options with the patient.
What does a neurologist do for seizures?
A neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in disorders of the brain and nervous system, including diagnosis and treatment of seizure disorders. When it comes to seizures, a neurologist will assess the patient’s medical history, do a physical examination, and order other tests such as an electroencephalogram (EEG) to record electrical activity in the brain.
The neurologist may also order blood tests and imaging tests, such as an MRI, to rule out any underlying causes, such as a tumor or stroke, that may be contributing to the seizures.
Once the underlying cause, if any, is identified, the neurologist will discuss the most appropriate treatment plan with the patient. This may include medications to reduce the frequency and intensity of the seizures.
Depending on the cause, the patient may benefit from dietary changes such as a ketogenic diet or a low glycemic index diet. The neurologist may also refer the patient to other specialists, such as a neuropsychologist, to further understand the cause and best treatment plan.
In some cases, if the cause and type of seizure are known, the neurologist may recommend surgery to reduce or even stop the seizures. Depending on the patient’s medical history and tests, the neurologist may also recommend innovative treatments such as vagus nerve stimulation, responsive neurostimulation, or deep brain stimulation.
Overall, a neurologist will work with the patient to identify the cause, type, and best treatment plan for their seizures.
What causes seizures in adults with no history?
Seizures in adults with no history can have a variety of causes, including both medical and non-medical ones.
Medical causes of seizures include stroke, tumors, glucose levels, electrolyte balances, infections, inflammation, and autoimmune disorders. Additionally, head trauma and high fevers can also induce seizures in people who have no prior history of them.
Non-medical causes may include sleep deprivation, alcohol or drug use, or exposure to environmental toxins. Stress, extreme emotions, and intense flashing lights have also been known to trigger seizures in those with no prior history.
Additionally, consuming certain types of food or drinks that contain certain chemicals, such as caffeine, can also bring on a seizure.
In many cases, the cause of seizures in adults is unknown. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor if you experience any seizure activity. By diagnosing its cause, the right treatment can be given to reduce the likelihood of it coming back again in the future.
What do absent seizures look like on EEG?
Absent seizures can look different on EEG depending on the individual, but they typically start off with a 3-Hz spike-and-wave pattern that is usually associated with a general slowing of the EEG reading.
Generally, the EEG will show a 3-Hz spike-and-wave pattern with little or no change in the background activity which will last for about one to two seconds.
Once the EEG returns to normal electrical activity, the person may experience a brief period of altered consciousness. This is referred to by some as a “dreamy” state, where the individual experiences certain feelings clinically similar to those experienced when dreaming, including visual hallucinations or confused speech.
This period may last for a few seconds or up to several minutes and immediately returns to a normal EEG pattern.
Overall, absent seizures can appear on an EEG as a 3-Hz spike-and-wave pattern, followed by a brief period of altered consciousness, with the entire event lasting anywhere from seconds to several minutes.
This pattern is often accompanied by other EEG abnormalities such as diffuse slowing, which may manifest as diffusely increased voltages and slowing of the waveforms.
How accurate is an EEG for seizures?
An EEG, or electroencephalogram, can be a useful tool for diagnosing and monitoring seizures, but it is not always 100% accurate. While EEGs have been used to diagnose seizures for many years, its accuracy is limited as not all epileptic activity shows up on the EEG.
EEGs are most accurate in detecting certain types of seizures, including absence, myoclonic, and tonic-clonic ones – while they are less effective in diagnosing atypical absence and complex partial seizures.
Additionally, EEGs can only detect abnormal activity in certain brain regions, while the activity that triggers a seizure may be coming from a different region. In general, an EEG can be quite effective in detecting seizures, but the results should always be interpreted with caution.
What is a drawback of having an EEG scan?
Having an EEG scan is generally considered a safe and non-invasive procedure, and it usually poses little risk for most people. However, there are some drawbacks associated with EEG scans that should be noted.
First, due to the technology and equipment used, EEG scans can be difficult to interpret. Depending on the individual’s brain activity, it may be difficult to accurately identify certain brain wave patterns that could be indicative of certain medical conditions.
This can cause confusion, and result in inaccurate diagnoses or treatment plans.
Another drawback is that EEG scans are relatively costly, especially for those without adequate insurance coverage. For some individuals, this may be a barrier to receiving the scans, as financial resources may limit the use of available diagnostic methods.
Finally, the equipment involved can generate a great deal of noise. Loud beeps and buzzing may be unpleasant to those in the vicinity, and the noise can themselves be disruptive to the EEG results. This means that the scans must be done in a quiet environment, which can be difficult to find at times.
How do you prove someone had a seizure?
The most effective way to prove someone had a seizure is to show a medical diagnosis by a physician or other health care provider. Typically, this diagnosis is made after a comprehensive medical evaluation.
During the evaluation, the physician will ask questions about the symptoms of the seizure, take a detailed medical history, perform a physical examination and order laboratory tests or brain scans. These assessments aid in ruling out other possible causes and in examining the origin and nature of the seizure activity.
Information from the evaluation is used to create an accurate diagnosis and suggest potential treatments or management strategies for the seizure disorder.
In some cases, the patient may be monitored with an electroencephalogram (EEG) or ambulatory electroencephalogram (AEEG). An EEG measures brain activity and can help distinguish seizures from other symptoms.
Monitor readings from an EEG or AEEG can provide additional evidence of seizure activity.
In addition to tests and evaluations, witnesses who observed the seizure episode can also provide details and evidence. The individual that witnessed the seizure can provide important information regarding the duration, type, any associated movements, and any attempts to manage or stop the seizure.
All of this information can be useful in determining whether a seizure did occur and can help health care providers in determining the cause and other important details of the episode.
What conditions mimic seizures?
Certain conditions, such as epilepsy, seizures, and epilepsy-like events, can all cause muscular control, consciousness, and mental functions. However, there are several conditions that can mimic seizures or epileptic symptoms even though they occur without any epileptic or seizure activity.
These conditions can include narcolepsy, migraines, and syncope (fainting).
Narcolepsy refers to a condition in which an individual becomes suddenly and suspiciously sleepy during normal daytime activities. This condition can cause the patient to experience a brief loss of consciousness or a temporary lapse of muscle control, both of which can mimic seizures.
In some cases, narcolepsy may present with paroxysmal events similar to a person experiencing a seizure.
Migraines are a disorder that affects a person’s neurological system and can cause intense, throbbing pains, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. It is not uncommon for patients to experience a temporary state of confusion or disorientation during a migraine attack, which can mimic seizure activity.
Finally, syncope (fainting) occurs when a person suffers a brief loss of consciousness due to a sudden drop in blood pressure or heart rate. During a syncopal episode, the individual may experience brief muscular jerks and tremors, as well as a temporary loss of muscle control, both of which can be confused with a seizure.
It is important to note that syncopal episodes typically last only a few seconds and normal functioning resumes soon after.
Can a blood test detect a seizure?
Yes, a blood test can detect a seizure. While a blood test might not be able to tell you exactly what type of seizure you are experiencing, it can help diagnose other associated conditions or underlying health issues that may be causing the seizure.
Patients who experience a seizure may be asked to have a blood test to detect any abnormalities or possible further testing that may be needed. In some cases, a blood test might detect certain hormones or antibodies that could indicate a seizure disorder or brain problem such as an infection, tumor, or ischemic stroke.
Additionally, the results of a blood test can help provide information about a person’s overall health and provide insight as to why they may be having seizures.
What is a false seizure?
A false seizure, also known as psychogenic non-epileptic seizure (PNES), is a disorder where a person appears to have a seizure, without any actual epileptic activity occurring. These events may look like actual seizures, with symptoms including altered consciousness, stiffness, twitching, jerking, or shaking, but they are not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain as with a traditional seizure.
Instead, they are believed to be caused by stress, depression, anxiety, or other psychological and emotional conditions. They may also be a response to a traumatic or difficult event, or even a physical injury or illness.
Diagnosis of false seizures usually involves a thorough medical evaluation, including neurological exams, laboratory tests, and in some cases, an EEG to check for brain wave activity. Treatment typically involves addressing any underlying psychological issues, as well as anti-seizure medications and psychotherapy to help the person cope with their condition.
