Autoimmune Epilepsy

An autoimmune epilepsy diagnosis begins with a physical exam and a review of your symptoms.

Testings for autoimmune epilepsy includes lab tests, brain imaging and testing the electrical activity in the brain.

Lab tests

Lab tests check for antibodies in the immune system that are attacking brain cells and causing seizures.

Healthcare professionals test for antibodies by testing your blood or the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord, known as cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid is removed during a procedure known as a lumbar puncture. A healthcare professional numbs the lower back and uses a hollow needle to remove fluid for testing.

For some people with autoimmune epilepsy, these tests don’t find antibodies.

Brain imaging

An MRI of your brain can look for signs of autoimmune epilepsy. You also may have a brain imaging test known as a fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET scan. This test checks how well nutrients are being metabolized in the brain. This can offer clues about whether you have certain types of autoimmune encephalitis that may be causing seizures. Brain imaging also can rule out other possible causes of your seizures.

EEG

An electroencephalogram is a test that measures electrical activity in the brain. This test also is called an EEG. It may show seizure activity and can help diagnose autoimmune epilepsy. An EEG also can help rule out other conditions. Your healthcare professional may record seizure activity using a video EEG.