Video eeg is the best way.
June 17
"Complex partial seizures" is an older term — they're now called focal impaired awareness seizures. Proving or diagnosing them involves a combination of observation, medical history, and testing.
Here's what the diagnostic process typically looks like:
- EEG (electroencephalogram) — measures electrical activity in the brain Show Full Answer
"Complex partial seizures" is an older term — they're now called focal impaired awareness seizures. Proving or diagnosing them involves a combination of observation, medical history, and testing.
Here's what the diagnostic process typically looks like:
- EEG (electroencephalogram) — measures electrical activity in the brain and can detect abnormal patterns
- Video-EEG monitoring — records physical behavior alongside brain activity, helping doctors match what's happening in the brain with visible symptoms
- MRI or CT scan — helps identify which part of the brain is involved
- Detailed medical history — including descriptions of what happens before, during, and after a seizure
During a focal impaired awareness seizure, a person may appear awake but be unresponsive, have a blank stare, or make repetitive automatic movements like lip smacking or picking at clothing — and typically won't remember the episode afterward.
Having someone witness and describe the seizure (or even record it on video) can be incredibly helpful for a neurologist making a diagnosis. The more detail, the better!
June 17
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