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How We Diagnose Epilepsy at the UPMC Comprehensive Epilepsy Center

When you come to us for care, our team of epilepsy experts will:

  • Assess you to find out what type(s) of seizures you have and their cause when possible.
  • Use advanced testing to make a proper diagnosis.
  • Design a treatment plan that controls seizures and lessens side effects.

    » To make an appointment or learn more about the UPMC Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, call 833-299-4320.

What Types of Tests Help Diagnose Epilepsy?

To help confirm an epilepsy diagnosis, we'll order a range of tests including:

  • EEG (electroencephalogram) to test your brain waves
  • High-resolution MRI of the brain
  • VEEG (video electroencephalogram)
  • Single-photon emission CT (SPECT) scan
  • Neuropsychological testing (NPT)
  • PET scan
  • MEG (magnetoenchephalogram)
  • Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)

Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU)

For further evaluation, some people might need to stay in our 8-bed, state-of-the-art EMU at UPMC Presbyterian for three to seven days to undergo testing. Our EMU is a subspecialized diagnostic unit that provides gold standard testing for patients with epilepsy and similar disorders.

During this study, we'll use a VEEG to record your seizures and assess the electrical impulses that cause them. VEEG is a simultaneous recording of your clinical symptoms with video and your brain activity via EEG for the purpose of getting the most accurate diagnosis and identification of a seizure focus.

We'll likely reduce your medication(s) to lower your seizure threshold. This allows EEG techs to record both the electrical activity of the brain and the physical effects of a seizure.

Nurses, doctors, and EEG techs staff the EMU 24/7.

Contact the UPMC Comprehensive Epilepsy Center

To make an appointment or learn more about epilepsy treatments, call 833-299-4320.

Kaufmann Medical Building
3471 Fifth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

UPMC
200 Lothrop Street Pittsburgh, PA 15213

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