1. Case history, including description of a seizure

2. Neurological investigations  

• EEG (Electroencephalogram which measure electrical current or activity within the brain)
• MRI (MRI is an abbreviation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging - also known as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging - NMRI). In this process measurements are made in a strong electromagnetic field)
• PET, Spect ( PET = Positron emission tomography) and SPECT = Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography: These are two types of investigation in which short-lived radioactive isotopes are introduced into the body. Their progress through the body can be used to measure cerebral blood circulation and metabolism).
• Occasionally, blood investigations and lumbar puncture may be used in the diagnosis of epilepsy. In lumbar puncture (LP) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is drawn off through a special spinal needle which is inserted into the spine. This fluid is then analysed. In febrile convulsions this procedure is primarily used to exclude the existence of an inflammation of the meninges of the brain (meningitis) or of the brain itself (encephalitis), either of which could also be the cause of the seizures. Other rarer conditions which can cause seizures can also be diagnosed using this procedure.