What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing seizures that started suddenly and haven't been explained by infection, toxins, metabolism problems, or other typical causes. It checks for specific antibodies that the immune system sometimes makes by mistake, which can attack the brain and trigger seizures. This is especially useful if there are also signs of brain inflammation along with the seizures.

How should I prepare for this test?

How can I naturally support brain and immune health? While this test itself requires no special preparation, gentle strategies like getting consistent sleep, managing stress, eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3s, and avoiding alcohol can support overall brain and immune function. These steps don't replace treatment for autoimmune conditions, but they can help your body function better while causes are being identified.

What's included in this test?

This panel checks for several different autoimmune antibodies, each linked to a different pattern of brain attack. Some antibodies target channels that control brain cell signaling, while others target receptors involved in memory and behavior, so testing for several at once helps narrow down what's driving the seizures.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with each antibody level explained against its normal range so you know exactly what's positive or negative. If any antibody comes back positive, the report will explain what that means and note that prompt follow-up care is important since autoimmune seizure causes often respond to specific treatment approaches. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and if you retest in the future, the trends feature lets you track changes over time.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being received at the lab. This turnaround allows time for the specialized antibody testing methods used to detect these less common markers. You'll get a notification as soon as your results are posted to your account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is worth considering if seizures started recently without a clear explanation like injury, infection, or a known seizure disorder in your history. It's also relevant if seizures come along with confusion, memory problems, unusual behavior changes, or signs of brain inflammation. People whose seizures haven't responded well to typical anti-seizure medications may also benefit from ruling in or out an autoimmune cause.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for new seizures that appear suddenly without an obvious cause, especially alongside confusion, memory loss, personality or behavior changes, or difficulty thinking clearly. Some people also notice unusual movements, sleep problems, or psychiatric-type symptoms like anxiety or hallucinations appearing around the same time as seizures. If these symptoms are showing up together and getting worse quickly, that combination is a strong reason to get tested.

What does a positive antibody result mean?

A positive result means your immune system is producing antibodies that can attack proteins in the brain, which can directly cause seizures and other neurological symptoms. This doesn't mean anything is permanently wrong, since many autoimmune seizure conditions improve significantly once identified and addressed. Because these conditions can move quickly, a positive result should prompt fast follow-up care rather than a wait-and-see approach.

What causes these antibodies to appear?

These antibodies can sometimes appear after a viral infection that confuses the immune system into attacking similar-looking brain proteins. In other cases, they're linked to tumors elsewhere in the body that trigger an immune response which cross-reacts with the brain, or they can appear with no clearly identified trigger at all. Genetics and individual immune system differences also seem to play a role in who develops these antibodies.

How often should I retest?

If your first test is negative but seizures continue without another explanation, retesting weeks to months later can be reasonable since antibody levels can change over the course of the condition. If you test positive and start on a treatment approach, periodic retesting can help show whether antibody levels are dropping as your body responds. Otherwise, this isn't a routine test to repeat regularly — it's used when there's an active, unexplained concern.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Autoimmune Epilepsy Panel - Unexplained Seizure Testing

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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