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Exams and Tests

The first task facing the doctor is to decide if the event was a seizure or some other condition, such as fainting, that may mimic a seizure.

• The doctor will take a history about the facts that surrounded the event. Any eyewitness accounts will be very helpful. Family history, social history, and past medical history are important as well.
  
  
• Bring any medicine containers, including prescription drugs, to the hospital to help the doctor make the diagnosis.
  
  
• A neurological examination will be performed. This may include some tests not usually performed in other physical examinations, such as strength and reflex testing.
  
  
• Depending on the history and physical examination, laboratory work may be ordered. This might include blood or urine testing.
  
  
• Special testing such as MRI, CT scans, or EEG (brain wave patterns) may be performed.