What is the advantage of an MRI for Epilepsy

[behlen]

As a result of misdiagnosis, I had a place maker implanted when my first neuro doc. failed to recognize my "spells" as seizures. The cardiolist dropped the ball when he thougt a pacemaker would cure my "spells" Now that I cannot have an MRI that my new nuero would like I am wondering how important that is. There is a procedure to remove the pacemaker however it is risky because of having to laser out the leads to your heart. Any feedback much appreciated

 

[lindinig]

An MRI can uncover leasions, tumors, or scar tissue on the brain, which will help them identify the cause of your seizures. Of course, most people with seizures have clean MRI's, so that is just one thing they look for.

 

[Nakamova]

The MRI can be helpful for ruling in or out things like lesions or tumors. But if it's already clear that you're having seizures, then the MRI isn't absolutely necessary.

 

[PhylisFeinerJohnson]

There are many other options for diagnostic testing:

Video EEG Monitoring – is a prolonged simultaneous recording of the patient’s behavior along with the EEG. Seeing EEG and video data at the same time permits precise correlation between seizure activity in the brain and the patient’s behavior during seizures.

Video-EEG can be vital in the diagnosis of epilepsy and epileptic seizures. It allows the doctor to determine:

Whether events with unusual features are epileptic seizures…
The type of epileptic seizure, and…
The region of the brain from which the seizures arise.

Continuous Video EEG Monitoring – studies the brain waves over time with a patient staying in a special unit for at least 24 hours. Antiepileptic medication is stopped for the duration of this test, since the objective is for seizures to occur so the abnormal brain waves they produce can be recorded.

A video camera connected to the EEG provides constant monitoring, enabling the medical team to pinpoint the area where a seizure occurs and track the patient’s physiological response to the seizure. Continuous monitoring can also help distinguish between epilepsy and other conditions. It can characterize the seizure type for more precise medication adjustments, and locate the originating area of seizures within the brain.

CAT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) or CT (Computed Tomography) – uses low radiation X-rays to create a computer-generated, three-dimensional image of the brain. It provides detailed information about the structure of the brain by using a series of X-ray beams passing through the head to create cross-sectional images of the brain.

These may reveal abnormalities in the skull or brain which may be related to seizures. It allows physicians to examine the brain, section by section, as the test is being conducted and helps to point to where a person’s seizures originate.

For futher information, go to Beyond EEGs…Diagnostic Tools for Epilepsy http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f22/beyond-eegs-diagnostic-tools-epilepsy-9149/

GOOD LUCK!