Computed Tomography Evaluation of Patients with First Onset Seizure

Introduction Structural neuroimaging plays an important role in the evaluation, management and treatment of first onset seizure. Imaging is performed to establish etiology, assist in determining prognosis, and identifying patients in whom alternation in medical or surgical management would ensue. MRI is considered the imaging modality of choice. CT is the diagnostic imaging test of choice for patients with seizures in a resource limited areas and first onset seizure, where MRI is less practical.  General Objective To study the spectrum of Computed Tomography findings in patients with first onset seizure.  Methodology A cross section study of patients with first onset seizures who presented to department of radiology and underwent cranial CT scans within the study period. The data was collected through chart review, analyzed by SPSS version 25 and MS Excel 2016.  Results Seventy three patients with first onset seizures, 44 males and 29 females with a mean age of 30.1 years, had CT done during the specified period. Thirty-one patients (42.5 %) had normal CT results and forty-two patients (57.5 %) had abnormal results. Neurocysticercosis (NCC) (23.81%), calcified granuloma (21.43 %) and cerebral atrophy (11.9 %) were the most common abnormality. Generalized seizures were seen in 46 patients (63.0%) patients and remaining 27 patients (37 %) had partial seizures. In total 46 cases of generalized seizures, normal CT findings were found in 26 (83.9%) cases and abnormal CT findings were found in 20 (47.6%) of cases. In contrast, among 27 cases of partial seizures, abnormal CT findings were found in 22 (52.4%) of cases.  Conclusion Abnormal CT Scans Were More Commonly Seen in Patients with Partial Seizures.