Which diagnostic tool is most commonly used to assess brain function in children with suspected seizure disorders?

Electroencephalography (EEG) is the most commonly used diagnostic tool to assess brain function in children with suspected seizure disorders because it directly measures the electrical activity of the brain. EEG captures the brain's electrical signals in real time, allowing clinicians to identify abnormal patterns that may indicate the presence of seizures or other neurological conditions.

In evaluating seizure disorders, EEG is particularly valuable due to its ability to detect specific seizure activity that can occur during the recording, providing insights into the type and frequency of seizures a child may be experiencing. It can also help differentiate between seizure types, which is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment.

In contrast, imaging tools such as MRI and CT scans focus on providing structural information about the brain, which may not necessarily reveal the functional abnormalities associated with seizures. While these imaging studies can identify underlying structural causes of seizures, such as lesions or malformations, they do not provide real-time information about the brain's electrical activity. X-rays are generally not useful for assessing brain function or related disorders.