The evaluation of a tonic clonic seizure begins with a history and physical examination.

Between seizures, the physical exam in someone with tonic clonic seizures is usually normal.

Physical findings in someone with a tonic clonic seizure may include:

• Arm numbness (unilateral)
• Leg numbness (unilateral)
• Hand numbness (unilateral)
• Arm weakness (unilateral)
• Leg weakness (unilateral)
• Facial weakness (unilateral):
• Facial drooping
• Fever
• Stiff neck
• Difficulty with balance
• Loss of coordination
• Memory loss
• Confusion
• Coma

Tests may be necessary to make the diagnosis of a tonic clonic seizure.

Tests that may be used to evaluate a tonic clonic seizure include:

• Blood glucose
• Coagulation profile
• Complete blood count
• Serum drug levels
• Kidney profile
• Liver profile
• CT scan of the brain
• MRI scan of the brain
• PET scan
• Lumbar puncture with spinal fluid analysis
• Electroencephalogram

For more information:

• Petit-mal seizures evaluation
• Febrile seizure evaluation
• Temporal lobe epilepsy evaluation