Neurologists use two main tests to diagnose epilepsy: Electroencephalography (EEG) and brain scans. EEG measures the electrical activity in the brain and can detect abnormal electrical patterns that are related to seizures. Brain scans, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), are used to look for abnormalities in the brain that may be causing seizures, such as tumors, infections or blood vessel abnormalities.