Tests & Treatments for Epilepsy at University of Colorado Hospital

Tests for Epilepsy

A doctor will assess your medical history and perform a comprehensive neurologic exam. A doctor will ask for a detailed description of your seizure. You may need someone who has witnessed your seizures to describe to a doctor what occurred.

A doctor will test your reflexes and perform blood tests to rule out any other condition. Additionally, a doctor may perform brain scans such as computerized tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic encephalography (MEG) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to reveal abnormalities of the brain and determine the best course of treatment.

Treatments for Epilepsy

Medications

Anti-seizure medications are usually taken by mouth and vary in the side effects they produce.

Ablative Surgery

Depending on what area of the brain the seizure originates, surgery may be an option. Some areas of the brain that produce seizures can be surgically removed. It is not a replacement for taking medication.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Vagus Nerve Stimulation is a type of treatment in which electrical impulses are directed into the brain through the vagus nerve in the neck. The impulses are sent by an electrode that is surgically implanted.

Ketogenic Diet

A diet that is high in fats and low in carbohydrates has been shown to eliminate seizures entirely in some children. It is not used in adults.