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A definite diagnosis of CJD can be made only after the patient has died
and a sample of brain tissue is examined. Prior to death, however, doctors
can make a tentative diagnosis by first of all ruling out certain other diseases
that can cause similar symptoms. They can give the patient a spinal
tap in order to rule out some other diseases. A CT scan can be performed
to rule out stroke. The most important diagnostic tests are an electroencephalogram,
or EEG, which measures brain waves; and a magnetic resonance
imaging test, or MRI. Patients with CJD will have a specific type
of abnormal brain wave pattern that is not found in any other disorder.
MRI images often reveal patterns of damage to brain tissue that are characteristic
of CJD.