Normal EEG... Now what?

[Chrabowski]

I got my results today. My results were normal..... Well at this point I am at a loss. I have had 2 tests(MRI and EEG) and both came back negative....

 

[masterjen]

As you have probably gathered from roaming around the various posts here, lots of people have normal MRI and EEG results, but still have seizures. What kind of EEG was it? Lots of times it is not until someone has a video EEG where EEG recordings are being made 24-7 for a number of days, as well as catching a seizure on video, that a true diagnosis can be made. BUT: often an epilepsy specialist can diagnose epilepsy from patient reports, family history and from someone who has witnessed what happens when you have a seizure.

 

[Nakamova]

A positive EEG is helpful to confirm an epilepsy diagnosis, but not absolutely necessary. An epileptologist should be able to make the call based on your symptoms alone, especially because certain kinds of seizures can be too transient. or occur too deep in the brain to register. If the doc is on the fence about the diagnosis, ask about having an sleep-deprived, overnight, or video EEG -- it might have a better chance of picking up something. Other options: Starting a small dose of anti-seizure medication to see if it helps control your symptoms. Also, getting a second or third opinion.