Computed tomography in patients with recurrent seizures

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Epileptic seizures necessitate accurate diagnostic evaluation.
• Computed Tomography (CT) is a key imaging modality in neurological assessments.
• Identifying underlying causes of seizures improves patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the diagnostic yield of CT scans in patients presenting with epileptic seizures.
• To correlate CT findings with seizure types, electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns, and neurological signs.
• To assess the utility of routine CT scanning in the workup of recurrent seizures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 80 patients undergoing CT for seizure evaluation.
• Correlation of CT results with clinical seizure presentation, EEG findings, and neurological examinations.
• Categorization of CT abnormalities, including tumors and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

Main Results:

• Abnormal CT scans were identified in 46.3% of patients.
• Focal CT abnormalities were present in 32.5% of patients, with tumors and AVMs noted.
• Simple partial motor seizures showed a strong correlation with abnormal CT scans (45.4%).
• Focal EEG abnormalities predicted focal CT findings (19/21 patients).
• Hemiplegia was associated with a high rate of abnormal CT scans (88.9%).
• Two cases of vascular malformations had normal EEG and neurological exams.

Conclusions:

• CT scanning is valuable in evaluating patients with epileptic seizures, detecting significant abnormalities in nearly half of cases.
• Focal EEG abnormalities and neurological signs increase the likelihood of identifying CT abnormalities.
• Routine CT scanning is recommended for the evaluation of patients with recurrent seizures to identify potential underlying pathologies.