FAQs
Why can seizures occur with normal EEG and MRI results?
Seizures can happen even when EEG and MRI look normal because EEG captures only a short period of brain activity and may miss seizure events, while standard MRI might not detect subtle or microscopic brain abnormalities. These limitations mean normal scans do not rule out seizures or epilepsy.
What is cryptogenic epilepsy?
Cryptogenic epilepsy refers to seizures where both EEG and MRI are normal, and no clear cause is identified. It is essentially a diagnosis of exclusion and accounts for a significant portion of adult-onset epilepsy cases.
How can doctors better diagnose seizures when EEG and MRI are normal?
Doctors may use prolonged video EEG telemetry to monitor brain activity over days or weeks, advanced imaging techniques like 7 Tesla MRI or PET scans, genetic testing, and specialized epilepsy center evaluations to uncover hidden or subtle causes of seizures.
What are psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES)?
PNES are seizure-like episodes triggered by psychological stress rather than abnormal brain electrical activity. They show normal EEG and MRI results and are diagnosed using video EEG monitoring combined with psychological assessments.
What should patients do if they have seizures but normal EEG and MRI findings?
Patients should keep a detailed seizure diary, bring all prior test reports to specialists, ask about advanced testing options, and consider referral to specialized epilepsy centers for comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis.
