Neuroimaging in epilepsy

BACKGROUND- In the past 10 to 15 years, the development of several types of high-resolution tomographic neuroimaging modalities has dramatically altered the diagnosis and management of patients with epilepsy. REVIEW SUMMARY- In this review, we consider the impact, sensitivity, specificity, and prognostic implications of the newer structural and functional imaging modalities such as computed tomography scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy, positron emission tomography, and single photon emission computed tomography. Recent advances such as quantitative MRI techniques and new positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography probes are also discussed to alert the practicing neurologist to their impending emergence into the field of epilepsy neuroimaging. CONCLUSIONS- The development of new MRI and functional neuroimaging modalities will continue to expand research opportunities, treatment options and practices, and insight into our basic understanding of the processes of epileptogenesis.