The appropriate neuroimaging study in persons with epilepsy

Abstract

This article presents the appropriate neuroimaging for persons with epilepsy (PWE) in resource-limited facilities. PWE from the Epilepsy Clinic, Srinagarind Hospital between November 1, 2003 and January 30, 2005 were enrolled. The inclusion criteria were PWE aged more than 15 years who underwent computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. We compared the abnormal neuroimaging findings by both imaging modalities. A total of 180 out of 370 PWE met the inclusion criteria, comprising 101 men (56.1%) and 79 women (43.9%). There were 75 PWE who underwent only CT imagings, 85 PWE who underwent only MRI and 20 PWE who underwent both CT and MRI studies. CT scan significantly detected brain abnormalities more than MRI in PWE (P = 0.0131). It was also found that CT scan was superior than MRI in detecting stroke and cysticercosis in PWE, whereas MRI was significantly better in the diagnosis of hippocampal sclerosis. Clinicians should be able to choose appropriate brain imaging for PWE, particularly in resource-limited countries. MRI should be preserved for particular brain lesion owing to availability and cost effectiveness.