Role of computerized tomography scan in seizure disorders

Abstract

Background: Neuroimaging can help to determine whether a seizure in a patient results from a structural abnormality of the brain or its surroundings. It is useful in a variety of clinical settings. The present study was undertaken to find the role of computed tomography (CT) scan in patients of seizure disorders. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study of 2 years duration. The sample size was 100. Nonenhanced CT (NECT) scan was performed in all patients on single slice helical CT scanner. All patients with history of seizures were included in the study. Any patient with evidence of biochemical or metabolic abnormality was excluded. Results: The mean age of patients was 27.47 ± 19.82 years. The sensitivity of NECT was 49%. Following contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) study, the overall sensitivity came to be 51%. Also, the scans in which NECT was unable to provide a conclusive diagnosis, CECT provided a confirmatory diagnosis in most of them (34 patients, 69.38% of 49 patients). Space-occupying lesions were the most common finding and were more commonly associated with simple seizures with or without generalization. Conclusion: CT scan plays a very important role as a preliminary tool in radiological assessment of patients presenting with seizure. In about half of the seizure patients, it is able to diagnose or suggest the abnormality. It is valuable in making a diagnosis particulary in Indian subcontinent, where infective causes in form of space occupying lesions and infections are most important cause of seizure.