Role of MRI in Evaluation of Epilepsy

Introduction: Epilepsy is a brain disorder marked by repeated and spontaneous seizures. A seizure occurs when there is a sudden disruption in normal brain function due to abnormal, excessive electrical activity in the neurons. The frequency of epilepsy rises with age and can significantly impact a person's quality of life and ability to function within society. The diagnosis of epilepsy relies on a combination of clinical evaluation, electroencephalography (EEG), and neuroimaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is currently the primary method used to detect brain abnormalities in epilepsy patients. Methodology: The study was conducted on 60 patients in Department of Radiodiagnosis RDGMC, Ujjain who presented with epilepsy and were examined using GE signa architect 3.0 Tesla MRI machine after taking proper consent. Epilepsy protocol was done in every patient to increase sensitivity and specificity to diagnose structural abnormalities. Results: Out of 60 patients, MRI findings were normal in 33 patients and etiology could not be identified on MRI. Maximum patients were in the age group of 0 - 10 years. Most common findings in our study includes infections, gliosis and intra and extra axial space occupying lesions. Tuberculoma among infections is the most common finding. Conclusion: The present study was an observational study and it concludes that MRI is the initial investigation of choice in patients with epilepsy with its excellent soft tissue contrast, multiplanar imaging capability, high spatial resolution and lack of ionizing radiation potentially improving patient outcomes.