What diagnostic test is performed to diagnose epilepsy?

The diagnostic test that is specifically performed to diagnose epilepsy is an electroencephalogram (EEG). This non-invasive test measures electrical activity in the brain and is crucial for identifying abnormal brainwave patterns that are characteristic of epilepsy. During an EEG, electrodes are placed on the scalp to record brain activity, and doctors look for specific spikes or patterns that indicate seizure activity.

While imaging tests such as CT scans and MRIs can be useful for visualizing the brain's structure and identifying any lesions or abnormalities that might contribute to seizures, they do not provide real-time information about electrical activity. An X-ray, on the other hand, is primarily used for examining bones and does not have a role in diagnosing seizure disorders. Therefore, the EEG stands out as the most appropriate and effective test for diagnosing epilepsy, as it directly assesses the electrical impulses in the brain that lead to seizures.