seizure screening test preparation

Overview

A seizure screening test (often an EEG, or electroencephalogram) is a painless test that records the brain's electrical activity to check for patterns that might be linked to seizures.

Seizure screening tests are very common and are used to help diagnose epilepsy and other seizure disorders.

They are used for people of all ages who have had possible seizure symptoms — from infants to older adults.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Confusion or staring spells
• Uncontrolled jerking movements of the arms or legs
• Loss of awareness or consciousness
• Sudden fear, déjà vu, or strange sensations

Symptoms in children

• Brief periods of blank staring (absence seizures)
• Sudden falls or head drops
• Unusual body stiffening or jerking
• Developmental delays or sudden changes in behaviour

Symptoms in older adults

• Temporary confusion or memory lapses
• Falls without clear reason
• Odd sensations like tingling or dizziness
• Loss of bladder or bowel control during events

Causes

Main causes

• Epilepsy (a brain condition that causes repeated seizures)
• Head injury or brain infection (like meningitis)
• High fever (especially in young children — febrile seizures)
• Stroke or brain tumour
• Severe lack of sleep or drug/alcohol withdrawal

Risk factors

• Family history of epilepsy
• Age — seizures are more common in early childhood and after age 60
• Past brain injury or infection
• Certain genetic conditions

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you or someone you know has a first seizure — call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department.
• If a person with known epilepsy has a seizure that is longer or different from their usual pattern.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have repeated episodes of confusion, staring, or unusual sensations that might be seizures.
• If you have been referred for a seizure screening test and need to prepare for it.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose the cause of possible seizures by taking a detailed history, talking to people who saw the event, and using tests like an EEG (electroencephalogram) and brain scans (MRI or CT).

Tests that may be done

• EEG (electroencephalogram) — records brain waves
• Sleep-deprived EEG — you stay up most of the night before the test to increase chance of catching abnormal activity
• Ambulatory EEG — you wear a portable recorder for 24-48 hours at home
• Brain MRI or CT scan — to look for structural causes like tumours or scarring

What to expect at your appointment

Before the test, you'll be told whether to skip sleep, avoid caffeine, or stop certain medicines (only if your doctor says so). On the day, you will be asked to wash your hair without conditioner or styling products. The technician will place small electrodes on your scalp with a paste. You'll close your eyes, relax, and sometimes breathe deeply or look at flashing lights. The test is painless. Afterward, the paste is washed out, and you can go home.

Treatment

Treatment for seizures depends on the cause. If you are diagnosed with epilepsy, the goal is to stop or reduce seizures so you can live a full life. For many people, treatment is very effective.

Self-care at home

• Learn first aid for seizures (stay with the person, protect their head, time the seizure, never put anything in their mouth)
• Keep a seizure diary to track triggers and patterns
• Make your home safe — pad sharp corners, use a shower chair if needed, avoid cooking alone if seizures are frequent
• Tell family, friends, and coworkers what to do in case of a seizure

Medical treatments

Doctors may recommend anti-epileptic medicines (taken daily) to prevent seizures. The type of medicine depends on the seizure type, age, and other health conditions. Treatment is started at a low dose and increased slowly. Some people need more than one medicine. Always take medicines exactly as prescribed and do not stop suddenly without medical advice.

When is surgery considered?

For some people whose seizures start in a small, well-defined area of the brain and do not get better with medicines, surgery to remove that area may be an option. This is only considered after careful testing.

Living with this condition

Living with seizures means being aware of your triggers (like lack of sleep, stress, or flickering lights) and planning ahead. Many people drive, work, and have families — but you must follow your country's driving laws if you have epilepsy. Always wear a medical ID bracelet or keep a card explaining your condition.

Lifestyle tips

• Get enough sleep — sleep deprivation is a common trigger
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation
• Avoid excessive alcohol and recreational drugs
• Take all medicines as prescribed and see your doctor regularly

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with regular meals helps keep blood sugar stable. For some people with hard-to-control epilepsy, a special high-fat, very low-carb diet (ketogenic diet) might help, but only under medical supervision. Regular exercise is safe and beneficial — just avoid swimming alone and always wear a helmet for cycling or skiing if seizures are not fully controlled.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with seizures can cause anxiety, depression, or social isolation. It is normal to worry about when the next seizure might happen. Talking to a counsellor or joining a support group can make a big difference. If you feel overwhelmed, reach out to your healthcare team.

Prevention

Most seizure disorders cannot be completely prevented, but you can reduce the risk of having a seizure by avoiding known triggers (like sleep deprivation, missed medicines, and heavy alcohol use). For some types, such as febrile seizures in children, prompt fever management may help.

Complications

If left untreated

• Injury from falls or burns during a seizure
• Status epilepticus — a prolonged seizure that can be life-threatening
• Difficulty with thinking, memory, or learning over time
• Social and emotional problems, including depression and isolation

Long-term outlook

With proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments, most people with seizures lead full, active lives. Many people become seizure-free with medication, and some outgrow their seizures. Even if seizures continue, they can often be well controlled. Work closely with your healthcare team and stay hopeful — you are not alone.

Find support

International organisations

• International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE)
• Epilepsy Foundation (global)

Local organisations

• Epilepsy Society (UK) · UK
• National Epilepsy Support Group (check local directory) · Your country

Helplines

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