Exams and Tests

Usually, a complete history and a physical examination are sufficient to diagnose night terrors.
 
If other disorders are suspected, additional tests may be useful to exclude them: 

• An electroencephalogram (EEG), which is a test to measure brain activity, may be performed if a seizure disorder is suspected.
  
• Polysomnography (a combination of tests used to check for adequate breathing while asleep) may be done if a breathing disorder is suspected.
  
• CT scans and MRIs are usually not necessary.