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Updated: Apr 5, 2026
08:23
A Multimodal Imaging- and Stimulation-based Method of Evaluating Connectivity-related Brain Excitability in Patients with Epilepsy
Published on: November 13, 2016
11.9K
Nuclear Imaging of Epilepsy.
Brian J Burkett1, Benjamin H Brinkmann2, Derek R Johnson1
1Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
Neuroimaging Clinics of North America
|April 3, 2026
Summary
Brain imaging with single-photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography (PET) helps pinpoint epilepsy sources. These nuclear medicine scans guide treatment and surgery by showing brain function changes during seizures.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear medicine
- Neurology
- Medical imaging
Background:
- Epilepsy management requires precise localization of seizure origins.
- Nuclear medicine techniques like SPECT and PET assess brain function relevant to epilepsy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of SPECT and PET in epilepsy management.
- To highlight how these imaging modalities localize epileptogenic zones and assess functional changes.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes brain single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET).
- Analyzes seizure-related changes in cerebral blood flow and glucose utilization.
- Employs advanced quantitative and computational techniques for interpretation.
Main Results:
- SPECT and PET can localize epileptogenic regions.
- These studies assess broad functional brain changes in epilepsy patients.
- Quantitative methods enhance study yield and interpretation.
Conclusions:
- SPECT and PET are valuable noninvasive tools for guiding epilepsy treatment and surgery.
- Future PET radiopharmaceuticals may offer enhanced diagnostic capabilities for epilepsy.
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