Epilepsy magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .

Epilepsy magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To screen for structural abnormalities. Fully referenced neurology checklist.

Indications for MRI in epilepsy

  • To screen for structural abnormalities
  • To establish the syndromic and etiologic diagnosis
  • To determine the cause for loss of seizure control
  • To determine the cause for a change in seizure pattern
  • For pre-surgical evaluation

Epilepsy syndromes not requiring MRI evaluation

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MRI abnormalities in epilepsy

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References

  1. Duncan JS. Imaging and epilepsy. Brain 1997; 120:339-377.
  2. Cianfoni A, Caulo M, Cerase A, et al. Seizure-induced brain lesions: a wide spectrum of variably reversible MRI abnormalities. Eur J Radiol 2013; 82:1964-1972. 
  3. Kim JA, Chung JI, Yoon PH, et al. Transient MR signal changes in patients with generalized tonicoclonic seizure or status epilepticus: periictal diffusion-weighted imaging. Am J Neuroradiol 2001; 22:1149-1160.
  4. Feldman RE, Rutland JW, Fields MC, et al. Quantification of perivascular spaces at 7T: A potential MRI biomarker for epilepsy. Seizure 2018; 54:11-18.

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