For individuals who have experienced a seizure, suspect they have had one, or have been told by others that they sometimes appear unaware of their actions, doctors may conduct the following tests to confirm a diagnosis:

• Blood Tests: Evaluates metabolic and blood chemistry imbalances, toxins, and poisons.
  

• Electroencephalogram (EEG): Measures brain activity through small sensors attached to your scalp. This test allows your doctor to evaluate the electrical signals produced by your brain.
  

• Video-EEG Monitoring: Follows the same procedure as an EEG, while also recording your activity via video during the test.
  

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Creates detailed images of your brain. You will lay in a cylindrical machine as radio waves are sent via pulses.

• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan: Relies on a radioactive drug that is typically injected into your hand or arm, and can help detect brain disorders.

• Magnetoencephalography (MEG): Identifies where in your brain seizures are produced. It is painless and non-invasive.

• Spinal Tap/Lumbar Puncture: Fluid from around your spinal cord is withdrawn and examined. This test is typically used when your provider is concerned that the cause of epilepsy is due to infection or immunological brain disease.

• Neurological Exam: Evaluates your behavior, motor abilities, and mental function.

• Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan: Uses X-rays to generate images of your brain.

• Single-Photon Emission Computerized Tomography (SPECT): Relies on a low dose of radioactive material injected into a vein to determine highly active areas of your brain.

Treatments for epilepsy include: 

• Medications: This is the most common method of treating epilepsy and controls seizures in 70% of people. Medications do not eliminate the cause of seizures but prevent them from happening.

• ‍Diet Changes: Specific diets can help control seizures. These diets are typically used in combination with medications. A classic keto diet (high-fat, low-carb) or a modified Atkins diet (similar to keto) may be used.

• Surgery: Occasionally, surgery is performed to stop seizures by removing the problem area of the brain or disconnecting it from the rest of the brain. Surgery is common in people who have drug-resistant epilepsy.

• Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): A device is used to stimulate your vagus nerve. There are two vagus nerves, one on each side of the body, that run from the lower brain to the stomach. The device causes the areas of your brain generating seizures to be stimulated.

• Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS): A device detects epileptic activity in the brain and delivers electrical stimulation. This treatment is often used for those who are not responsive to medication or surgery.

• Deep Brain Stimulation: A device implanted in the brain delivers a mild electrical current to interfere with electrical malfunctions caused by seizures.