1. Epilepsy in Diagnostic Imaging

2. Objectives What is it? Types of Seizures Signs and symptoms Cause
Epilepsy
Seizures
Types of Seizures
Primary
Partial
Absence
Signs and symptoms
Cause
Diagnosis
Tests
Treatment
Prognosis
Roll of a Technologist
Abnormalities
MRI
EEG
SPECT
PET

3. What is it? Epilepsy Seizures
Central Nervous System disorder that causes seizures and loss of consciousness
Seizures
When the nerve cells in the brain abnormally signal
Chemical imbalance of the starting and stopping of signals
Epilepsy is not the only reason seizures occur
Seizure- not always true for the reason of a seizure to happen

4. Types of Seizures Primary generalized seizures Partial seizures
Both sides of the brain actively causing the seizure
Partial seizures
One part of the brain actively causing the seizure
Absence seizures
Not long lasting
Blankly stare into space or have simple movements

5. Signs and Symptoms Partial Seizure- Primary General Signs and symptoms
Migraines
Lightheaded or dizzy
Altered state of mind (emotions, smell, sight)
Repetitive motions
Primary General
Stiffening of the muscles
Loss of control of muscles
Signs and symptoms
Depend on type of seizure and person
Common signs of seizures are confusion, staring into space, jerking of the body, loss of consciousness or awareness
Some people are able to tell if they are going have a seizure
Typically depends on the type of seizure and person
Generally they will have temporary confusion, staring into space, jerking of the body, loss of consciousness or awareness
Each person may or may not be able to tell if they are going to be having a seizure or not symptoms will be dependent of patient

6. Cause Any disruption of neuron activity Often unknown
6 of 10 are unknown
Known brain injuries
Typically before the age 10
Caused by head trauma or brain malformations
Brain infections
Genetics
Stroke
After the age 55
6 of 10 seizures are unknown cause
Children- before 10 head trauma and brain malformations
Geriatrics- after 55 stroke

7. Diagnosis Details about the seizure or seizures
Bring along whoever witnessed the seizure to inform the doctor of what happened
EEG
Blood tests
CT and MRI
PET
SPECT
Neuropsychological tests
Multiple tests and close monitoring
Bring along a family member or whoever was there to see it happening

8. Tests EEG Blood tests CT/MRI Abnormal brain wave patterns
May have instructions to complete prior to the test to induce a seizure like lack of sleep, stress
Blood tests
Rule out other diseases
CT/MRI
Look for abnormal pathology in the brain
Cysts, lesions, tumors, brain bleeds, ect. that could cause seizures
May have instructions to complete prior to the test to induce a seizure like lack of sleep, stress
Looking for cysts, lesions, tumors, brain bleeds, ect. that could cause seizures

9. Tests PET SPECT Neuropsychological test To help detect abnormalities
PET scan is injecting a radioactive tracer into the vein to see if there are any abnormalities at a cellular level (brain tumors)
SPECT
Watch the blood flow in the brain looking for where the brain is seizing
SPECT used when an EEG or MRI fails and is unable to locate where the seizing was happening. Is done when the patient is actively seizing assessing these areas to see where the seizures may be happening in the brain
Neuropsychological test
Assessing speech, memory, thinking skills
PET scan is injecting a radioactive tracer into the vein and seeing if there are any abnormalities at a cellular level (brain tumors
SPECT used when an EEG or MRI fails and is unable to locate where the seizing was happening. Is done when the patient is actively seizing
Assessing these areas to see where the seizures may be happening in the brain

10. Treatment Right Medications Surgery Diet change Sleep pattern
Some people have to take multiple medications and switch medications multiple times to find the right ones.
Surgery
If the reason for the seizures is a brain tumor or to fix whatever may cause the seizures.
Diet change
Sleep pattern
Some people have to take multiple medications and switch medications multiple times to find the right ones.
Surgery if the reason for the seizures is a brain tumor or to fix whatever may cause the seizures.
Diet and sleep patterns could cause seizures

11. Prognosis Is not curable but can be controllable
Can cause death if not controlled
Can cause brain damage
Depends on type of seizure, how long it is going on, and the person.
Depends on type of seizure, how long it is going on, and the person.

12. Roll of a Technologist Positioning Technique
Explanation and communication
Optimal Images

13. EEG

14. Seen on MRI: The “Birthmark” causing seizures or epilepsy
“Brian birth mark” Causing seizures/epilepsy

15. After surgery to remove the area in hope of becoming seizure free

16. https://mmcneuro. wordpress

17. PET SCAN Normal PET scan Epileptic PET Scan
Normal PET scan
Epileptic PET Scan

18. SPECT Scan

19. References
Bailey R. Brain and Their Responsibilities Available at: Accessed March 21, 2018.
Hope C. EEG Recording Cap Available at: Accessed March 21, 2018.
Samadi D. Epilepsy and Seizures Available at: Accessed March 21, 2018.
Holland K. Prognosis Available at: Accessed March 21, 2018.
Patient Being Prepared For MRI Exam Available at: Accessed March 21, 2018.
Holland. Epilepsy and Seizures, What’s the Difference? Available at: the-difference/. Accessed March 21, 2018.
Ahmad S. Focal and Multifocal Seizures Available at: Accessed March 21, 2018.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan Available at: surgery/positron-emission-tomography-pet-scan/. Accessed March 21, 2018.
Pinpointing Seizure Location Available at: location/img Accessed March 21, 2018.
Cunha J. Epilepsy (Seizure Disorder). Medicine New website. Accessed March 21, 2018.
Epilepsy Information Page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Updated April 3, Accessed March 21, 2018.
Mayo Clinic Staff. Mayo Clinic website. Accessed March 21, 2018.
Shafter P. About Epilepsy. Epilepsy Foundation website. Accessed March 21, 2018.