If possible, take a video of events and patterns of behaviour to share with your child's neurologist. When filming your child:

• Try to capture different movement patterns
• Try to start filming at the start of the movement  
• Try to make sure the lighting is adequate
• Include the whole child in the video
• If the movement happens in bed, remove sheets and blankets. 

Take notes using an event record. Try to complete the record during or soon after your child’s event. You can use the following PENNSW resources:

• Personal epilepsy profile
• Event record - document the nature of the event
• Event diary - documenting frequency and types of events

Once you give your child's neurologist recordings and monitoring information, they may ask further questions:

• How do the events start?
• Do they happen when your child is awake?
• Can these movements be brought on?
• Is it possible to stop the movement?
• Can you distract your child during the movement?
• When do these movements or events occur? 

This information will help your child’s neurologist work out whether this is a seizure, a behavioural pattern or a movement disorder. Your child’s doctor may make a decision using a process of pattern recognition based on the available information.  

Certain patterns are characteristic of seizures, behavioural patterns or movement disorders. For example: 

• Rhythmic jerking down one side of the body that cannot be stopped is a likely seizure
• Prolonged crying is unusual in a seizure 

If your child’s neurologist is still not sure what each event represents, they may recommend video electroencephalogram (EEG) telemetry. Your child will be admitted to hospital, and the movements and EEG pattern recorded.

If this is not possible, mobile EEG can be done at home: 

• A mobile EEG device worn by the child records brain wave patterns
• The carer also makes a record of events
• A video is not recorded. 

Learn more about EEG testing.