How Accurate is EEG

Can a test turn up false negative for epilepsy and related seizures? What kind of tests are there?

[Dr Santos]

How are you?

EEG has relatively low sensitivity in epilepsy, ranging between 25–56%. Specificity is better, but again variable at 78–98%. (http://jnnp.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/76/suppl_2/ii2)

Other tests that may also be done include:
    * Video EEG. Video EEG records seizures on videotape and on computer so that the doctor can see what happens just before, during, and right after a seizure.

    * Brain mapping. Brain mapping is a fairly new method that is very similar to EEG.

   * Ambulatory EEG monitoring. In ambulatory EEG monitoring, the person is able to move around, and the test allows for long periods of time in recording of electrical activity in the brain.

You can read more about this on this link: http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/electroencephalogram-eeg-21508?page=4

I hope this helps. Take care and regards.