Adult Epilepsy & the Value of Neuro-Imaging

A. Gh, Hala; M. Saeed, Faris; Khalid, Waleed; A. Gh, Muna; B, Sahar

	Adult Epilepsy & the Value of Neuro-Imaging
IRAQI JOURNALOF COMMUNITY MEDICINE
Article 1, Volume 25, Issue 3, 2012, Pages 201-204
Authors
Hala A. Gh; Faris M. Saeed; Waleed Khalid; Muna A. Gh; Sahar B
Abstract
Background: neuro imaging has become as important as the use of EEG in the diagnosis of epilepsy. MRI Remains the principal technique used in epilepsy. Objective: to detect a specific imaging abnormality on MRI and CT scan in a given patient and their effect on the management and prognosis. Method: a total of fifty nine patients with epilepsy referred for Neuro imaging to Al-Yermouk General hospital in Baghdad from November 2009 –January 2011 with age between 18 –70 yrs. male 26: female 33. Fifty patients underwent CT scan of the brain and 56 had MRI study. Results: Forty six (82%) had abnormal neuroimaging on MRI compared to CT scan which showed only twenty five patients (50%) abnormal study. MRI is more sensitive than CT scan in the detection of medial temporal sclerosis (MTS, hippocampal sclerosis) and abnormal white matter. CT scan is more accurate in showing acute intracranial hemorrhage and lesions with underlying calcifications. Conclusion: MRI and CT scan are useful to identify the origin and cause of seizure disorders. However, MRI is the principle imaging technique used in adult onset epilepsy but CT is still crucial in emergency conditions, when MRI is unavailable or contra indicated.
Keywords
epilepsy; Neuro imaging; adult

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