title: Initial Evaluation of the Patient with Suspected Epilepsy.
abstract: The initial evaluation of the patient with suspected epilepsy is multifaceted and includes a careful history, diagnostic evaluation (EEG and brain imaging) and prompt referral to an epilepsy specialist to clarify seizure types and epilepsy syndrome. Screening for mental health conditions also should be considered, along with neurocognitive testing when deficits of language, memory, learning, attention, or executive function are present or when MRI shows involvement of brain regions implicated in cognitive function. In this review, we examine the approach to the initial evaluation of those with new-onset unprovoked seizures and possible epilepsy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Foothills Medical Centre, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 1403 29 Street Northwest, Room C1209, Calgary, Alberta T2N 2T9, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, O'Brien Institute for Public Health, Foothills Medical Centre, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 1403 29 Street Northwest, Room C1209, Calgary, Alberta T2N 2T9, Canada.
authors.forename: Nathalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Jetté
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Foothills Medical Centre, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 1403 29 Street Northwest, Room C1209, Calgary, Alberta T2N 2T9, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, O'Brien Institute for Public Health, Foothills Medical Centre, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 1403 29 Street Northwest, Room C1209, Calgary, Alberta T2N 2T9, Canada. Electronic address: swiebe@ucalgary.ca.
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wiebe
mesh_terms: D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging
keywords: Definition of epilepsy; Differential diagnosis; Investigation; Misdiagnosis; Neuro-cognitive outcomes; Newly diagnosed; Psychiatric comorbidity; Referral