Do grand mal seizures show up on EEG?

The electrodes record the electrical activity of your brain, which shows up as wavy lines on an EEG recording. The EEG may reveal a pattern that tells doctors whether a seizure is likely to occur again. EEG testing may also help your doctor exclude other conditions that mimic epilepsy as a reason for your seizure.

Do epileptic seizures show up on EEG?

An EEG can usually show if you are having a seizure at the time of the test, but it can’t show what happens to your brain at any other time. So even though your test results might not show any unusual activity it does not rule out having epilepsy. Some types of epilepsy are very difficult to identify with an EEG.

Can children have grand mal seizures?

With an atonic seizure, your child has a sudden loss of muscle tone and may fall from a standing position or suddenly drop his or her head. During the seizure, your child will be limp and unresponsive. Generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTC). This is also called grand mal seizure.

What does an epileptic seizure look like on an EEG?

Your doctor may refer to these waves as “epileptiform abnormalities” or “epilepsy waves.” They can look like spikes, sharp waves, and spike-and-wave discharges.

How soon after a seizure should an EEG be done?

Conclusion: The diagnostic yield of EEG following a first unprovoked epileptic seizure is highest when this test is performed within the first 16 h after onset of the event.

What purpose does an EEG serve in diagnosing epilepsy?

The main use of an EEG is to detect and investigate epilepsy, a condition that causes repeated seizures. An EEG will help your doctor identify the type of epilepsy you have, what may be triggering your seizures and how best to treat you.

How serious is a grand mal seizure?

It is possible that a person may sustain a life threatening injury while having a seizure. Also, having a severe, long lasting seizure may prevent enough oxygen from reaching a person’s brain, possibly leading to death.

What are the stages of a grand mal seizure?

Tonic-clonic seizures, formerly known as grand mal seizures, comprise two stages: a tonic phase and a clonic phase. These intense seizures can be frightening to experience or observe, as extreme muscle spasms may temporarily arrest breathing.

What do spikes mean on an EEG?

Spikes or sharp waves are terms commonly seen in EEG reports. If these happen only once in a while or at certain times of day, they may not mean anything. If they happen frequently or are found in specific areas of the brain, it could mean there is potentially an area of seizure activity nearby.

What is an EEG test for a child?

EEG room. An EEG (electroencephalogram) is a test that gives information about the health and functioning of the brain. Special soft padded wires, called electrodes, are placed on the scalp. The electrodes will pick up activity in the brain. This activity creates patterns that can be seen on a computer screen.