And Arbitrary Blackness Gallops In

And arbitrary blackness gallops in

This artwork portrays how I was constantly exposed to medical tools and devices for testing during my diagnosis for epilepsy. One of the fundamental technologies used in diagnosing epilepsy is the Electroencephalogram (EEG). This non-invasive test records electrical activity in the brain through electrodes placed on the scalp. EEGs capture and analyse brain wave patterns, helping to detect abnormal electrical discharges indicative of epilepsy. During an EEG, patients may be asked to perform tasks that can trigger seizures, aiding in the characterisation and localisation of seizure activity.

For a more detailed assessment, doctors often employ Video EEG Monitoring. This combines continuous EEG recording with video surveillance, allowing healthcare providers to observe physical symptoms and behaviours alongside electrical brain activity. Video EEG monitoring is crucial for capturing and documenting seizures, especially those that occur infrequently or have atypical features. It provides valuable data for diagnosing specific types of epilepsy and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments. Neuroimaging techniques play a pivotal role in identifying structural abnormalities or lesions in the brain associated with epilepsy. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnets and radio waves to generate detailed images of the brain. This was another test I had to unfergo at least 7 times. MRI scans can reveal brain tumours, malformations, scars from previous injuries, or other structural changes that may contribute to seizure activity. MRI is essential for assessing whether surgical intervention might be an option for patients whose epilepsy is caused by a focal brain lesion.

Additionally, Neuropsychological Testing evaluates cognitive functions such as memory, attention, language, and problem-solving abilities. These tests help assess the impact of epilepsy on cognitive function and identify areas of the brain involved in seizure generation. Neuropsychological assessments are valuable for understanding how epilepsy affects a patient's daily life and cognitive abilities.