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Positron emission tomography in seizure disorders
Abass Alavi1, Stephanie Yakir, Andrew B Newberg
1University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|January 14, 2012
Summary
Positron emission tomography (PET) aids in understanding seizure disorders. This imaging technique provides diagnostic information and helps locate seizure foci, with future potential for advanced research and clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Positron emission tomography (PET) is a valuable tool in epilepsy research.
- PET imaging has been utilized for understanding seizure pathophysiology, prognosis, and treatment response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of PET in the study and clinical management of seizure disorders.
- To highlight the diagnostic and prognostic utility of PET in epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on PET applications in seizure disorders.
- Discussion of how PET imaging aids in the detection of seizure foci.
Main Results:
- PET imaging provides crucial insights into the pathophysiology of various seizure disorders.
- Clinical applications include aiding in the detection of seizure foci.
Conclusions:
- PET imaging is essential for both research and clinical practice in seizure disorders.
- Advancements in radiopharmaceuticals will further enhance PET's role in evaluating neurotransmitter systems, blood flow, and metabolism in epilepsy.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Positron Emission Tomography
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique involving radiopharmaceuticals — substances that emit short-lived radiation. Although the first PET scanner was introduced in 1961, it took 15 more years before radiopharmaceuticals were combined with the technique and revolutionized its potential.
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body being...
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01:13Seizures: Classification
Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
01:25Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique that provides crucial insights into the body's physiological functions at a molecular level. It is an indispensable resource for diagnosing, staging, and monitoring various illnesses, notably cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.
Fundamental Principles of PET
Fundamental Principles of PET
01:20Seizures l: Introduction
Understanding seizures and epilepsy relies on key definitions that help in recognizing, classifying, and managing these disorders. These definitions provide a framework for recognizing, classifying, and managing seizure disorders.DefinitionsA seizure is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior, depending on the area involved. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures,...
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...