The EEG (electroencephalograph) is the most common diagnostic test for epilepsy. It is used to detect abnormalities in the brain's electrical activity. People with epilepsy frequently have changes in their normal pattern of brain waves, even when they are not experiencing a seizure. Whenever possible, an EEG should be performed within 24 hours of a person’s first seizure.
The EEG machine—short for electroencephalograph—records electrical activity from your brain. This allows your neurologist to see your brain waves. When a person has epilepsy, the EEG shows a special pattern of spikes and waves which will define the seizure type. Knowing this, a neurologist can prescribe treatment that will most likely control the epilepsy. Learn more about epilepsy treatment options.
Sometimes your neurologist will order a "sleep-deprived EEG." That's because lack of sleep tends to bring out the worst in brain waves. By staying up all night, you are increasing the chance that epileptic activity will appear, if it exists. This information can help your neurologist choose your medication or see if your seizures are likely to return. It only makes sense that people with epilepsy need to get plenty of sleep!
During this process, a bright light is flashed in your eyes during an EEG. This is to see if you have photosensitive epilepsy. Only 5% of people with seizures have this type, but it's best to rule it out. These seizures can occur from some flashing lights, television, and computer games.
During an EEG, you may be asked to hyperventilate by taking deep breaths for 3 to 5 minutes. For reasons that are not fully understood, this can bring out epileptic activity. This allows some people to find out a lot about the inner workings of their brain.
In some cases, your neurologist may order additional tests, even though you’ve already had an EEG. This is because each test tells your neurologist something different about your brain and how it works. So, while an EEG is the best way to find out about brain waves, it doesn’t provide the most accurate picture of the inside of the brain. If your neurologist needs to see the inside of your brain to make a diagnosis, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) offers the best results. A CAT (computerized axial tomography) scan is another excellent way to see inside the brain. In cases where your EEG results are abnormal, an MRI or CAT scan can help clarify your brain’s functioning.
A CAT scan takes thousands of x-ray images and uses them, with the help of a powerful computer, to form a picture of the brain. CAT scans can be performed very quickly and are often used in cases where a brain injury is suspected.
An MRI also uses a computer, but instead of x-rays, it uses a strong magnetic field to form a highly-detailed image of the brain. Neurologists who specialize in epilepsy use the MRI to look for subtle abnormalities in the brain that can cause seizures.
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Keppra XR® is a prescription medicine that is used with other medicines to treat partial onset seizures in people 16 years of age and older with epilepsy.
Keppra XR® is generally well-tolerated, but may not be for everyone. Ask your doctor if Keppra XR® is right for you. Like other antiepileptic drugs, Keppra XR® may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500 people taking it. Patients should call their healthcare provider right away if they have depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behavior while taking Keppra XR®. Keppra XR® may cause extreme sleepiness, tiredness, and weakness, and problems with muscle coordination. Keppra XR® may also cause mood and behavior changes including psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and unusual behavior. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms. The most common side effects seen with Keppra XR® and other formulations of Keppra® include sleepiness, weakness, dizziness, and infection. Do not stop taking Keppra XR® unless instructed by your healthcare provider. Stopping a seizure medication all at once can cause seizures that will not stop, a very serious problem.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may also report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or go to www.fda.gov/medwatch or contact UCB, Inc. at 1-866-822-0068.
Please see Keppra XR® Medication Guide and Full Prescribing Information for additional important patient information.
*With this coupon, you pay the first $25 of your Keppra XR® or Keppra® co-pay and we pay your remaining out-of-pocket expense up to a maximum of $30. This coupon may not be reproduced and must accompany a valid, signed Keppra XR® prescription. No cash value. Offer not valid for prescriptions reimbursed or paid under any government health insurance program (e.g., Medicaid, Medicare) or any private payer in Massachusetts or where otherwise prohibited by law. Patients are responsible for reporting this rebate to any private insurer that covers any part of the prescription. Offer expires on 12/31/12. UCB may cancel or alter this program at any time without notice.