MRI BRAIN WITH EPILEPSY PROTOCOL
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
6hrs
Measures
No description available
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About The Test
Key differences vs. standard brain MRI
- Thinner slices: 2 mm instead of the usual 5 mm, catching tiny lesions.
- Angled cuts: Coronal oblique slices line up perfectly with the hippocampus.
- Extra sequences: FLAIR, DWI, SWI, and 3D T1 give a 360° view of seizure-prone areas.
Why Cadabams Diagnostics uses 3T magnet strength
A 3T scanner delivers twice the signal of a 1.5T machine. That means:
- Sharper pictures of small structures like the amygdala and hippocampus.
- Faster scans, reducing movement blur—especially helpful for children.
- Better detection of cortical dysplasia and subtle tumors.
How this scan shortens the road to diagnosis
By combining high-resolution anatomy with functional data, our epilepsy protocol often reveals the seizure focus in a single 30-minute session. This cuts down repeat scans and lets your neurologist start targeted treatment sooner.
List of Parameters
- High-resolution T1 & T2 coronal oblique 2 mm slices – visualize hippocampal architecture.
- FLAIR axial & coronal – detect gliosis and sclerosis.
- DWI/ADC and SWI sequences – rule out acute stroke or micro-bleeds.
- Hippocampal volumetry – quantifies atrophy linked to temporal-lobe epilepsy.
Why This Test
- Pinpoint seizure focus – shows exactly where abnormal activity starts.
- Detect mesial temporal sclerosis – the most common cause of drug-resistant epilepsy.
- Rule out tumors or vascular malformations – ensures the right treatment path.
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits Of Taking the Test
- Non-invasive, radiation-free – safe for children and repeated follow-ups.
- Guides medication vs surgery decisions – objective data helps your neurologist choose.
- Improves long-term seizure control – early, accurate diagnosis leads to better outcomes.
Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI - Brain with Epilepsy Protocol
- Temporal lobe epilepsy
- Cortical dysplasia
- Hippocampal sclerosis
- Brain tumors & vascular lesions
Preparing for test
- Fasting & medication instructions: Light meal is fine unless sedation is planned; take regular anti-seizure meds.
- Metal screening checklist: Remove jewelry, hairpins, hearing aids, and credit cards.
- Sedation options for children: Pediatric anesthetist available for kids under 6 or those with movement disorders.
Pre-requisites
- Recent creatinine report if contrast is planned.
- Seizure history questionnaire – helps the radiologist focus on relevant areas.
- Prior imaging CDs – comparison improves diagnostic accuracy.
Best Time to Take the MRI Brain with Epilepsy Protocol
- Within 24 h of first seizure (ideal) – captures acute changes.
- When medication fails after 2 adequate trials – signals need for advanced workup.
- Pre-surgical evaluation phase – mandatory before any invasive procedure.
Eligibility
- Age ≥ 4 years (or ≥ 2 years with sedation)
- No MRI-incompatible implants
- Pregnancy screening for women of child-bearing age
Procedure for Taking a MRI Brain with Epilepsy Protocol
- Registration & safety screening (10 min) – verify identity, check implants.
- Positioning & coil placement (5 min) – head coil fitted like a helmet.
- Scan sequences (25–35 min) – you’ll hear loud knocking; stay still.
- Contrast injection if indicated (5 min) – quick IV push, no pain.
Caution Before Taking the Test
- Remove all metallic objects – including rings and fitness trackers.
- Inform about tattoos & implants – some inks heat up; we adjust settings.
- Discuss sedation risks with pediatric patients – our anesthetist explains everything beforehand.
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
Finding / Observation | Description (Example) | Interpretation / Significance (Example) |
---|---|---|
Hippocampal volume | ≥ 3.5 cm³ | < 3.0 cm³ suggests sclerosis |
Cortical thickness | 2–3 mm | Focal thinning may point to dysplasia |
FLAIR signal | Low | High signal = gliosis or sclerosis |
Mesial temporal sclerosis | Shrunken, bright hippocampus | Strong predictor of surgical cure |
Cortical dysplasia | Thickened cortex with blurred grey–white line | Often drug-resistant; may need surgery |
Tumor | Mass with contrast enhancement | Requires neurosurgical consult |
Risks & Limitations
MRI safety (pacemakers, implants)
- Absolute no-go: Pacemakers, cochlear implants, some aneurysm clips.
- Conditional devices: Modern implants labeled “MRI-conditional” are safe at 3T—bring your device card.
Claustrophobia considerations
- Open-bore 3T scanners and music headsets are available.
- Mild oral sedation can be arranged on request.
False-negative and false-positive findings
- Tiny lesions can still be missed; follow-up may be needed.
- Benign variants (e.g., choroid fissure cysts) can mimic pathology—our neuroradiologists double-check every case.
FAQs
How long does the epilepsy protocol MRI take?
About 30–40 minutes total.
Is the scan painful?
No, it is completely painless. You just need to lie still.
Can I eat before the test?
Yes, a light meal is allowed unless you’re scheduled for sedation.
When will I get my report?
Same day by 6 p.m. if your scan finishes before noon.
Does insurance cover this MRI?
Yes, most policies reimburse epilepsy workup—our front desk helps with pre-authorization.
How much does an epilepsy protocol MRI scan cost ?
Cost varies by location, facility, and insurance. Contact Cadabams Diagnostics billing department or your insurance provider for accurate information.