The most important laboratory examination that aids in diagnosing epilepsy is EEG (Electroencephalography). This test involves placing electrodes on the scalp to record brain waves, and it is a harmless procedure for the patient. Depending on the patient’s condition, the doctor may order a routine EEG, sleep-deprived EEG, short-term sleep EEG, or overnight sleep EEG, as well as Video-EEG monitoring.

A routine EEG is conducted while the patient is awake and typically lasts 20-40 minutes. For a sleep-deprived EEG, the patient is required to stay awake for a certain period, which can help reveal abnormalities in the EEG.

The test is evaluated by a Neurology specialist trained in this field.

A normal EEG does not definitively mean the person does not have epilepsy, and an abnormal EEG does not always indicate the presence of epilepsy. The EEG results are assessed by the attending physician in conjunction with the patient’s other findings.

EEG plays an important role not only in diagnosing epilepsy but also in managing and monitoring treatment. Additionally, in patients where discontinuation of treatment is considered, EEG can provide valuable information to the physician regarding the decision to stop medication.