MRI BRAIN WITH SEIZURE PROTOCOL

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a painless imaging examination that offers a comprehensive view of the body's internal structures using a powerful magnet, radio waves, and a computer. An MRI Brain with Seizure Protocol is focused on the brain to assist with the diagnosis and management of seizure disorders such as epilepsy.  

What is an MRI Brain with Seizure Protocol? 

An MRI Brain with Seizure Protocol employs the latest advancements in MRI technology to provide thorough imaging of the brain's structures and functions. This protocol is designed specifically to assist in the diagnosis and management of seizure disorders by:  

• Performing high-resolution imaging for the identification of brain structural lesions, including but not limited to, tumours, cysts, and malformations.  
• Specialized imaging sequences that assess the function of the brain, which include blood flow and electric activity, are used. 

Types of MRI Brain with Seizure Protocol 

There are subtypes under MRI Brain with Seizure Protocol which include: 

• Standard MRI Brain with Seizure Protocol– This is the common one. It combines several imaging sequences to assess the brain's anatomy and physiology. 
• Functional MRI (fMRI)– This MRI variant determines blood flow and oxygen levels to parts of the body. 
• Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)– This variation assesses white matter pathways of the brain. Used in the diagnosis of some forms of traumatic brain injury besides stroke. 

List of Parameters Considered During the MRI Brain with Seizure Protocol

The following parameters are taken into account with the MRI Brain with Seizure Protocol: 

• The anatomy and segments of the brain. 
• Blood and oxygen delivery. 
• Electroencephalographic activity. 
• Tumours, cysts, or other malformations, if any. 

Reasons for Taking an MRI Brain with Seizure Protocol

An MRI Brain with Seizure Protocol is most commonly indicated for: 

• Epileptic and other seizure-related disabilities. 
• Head injuries and other forms of brain injury. 
• Cns infections like encephalitis and meningitis. 
• Tumours and cysts in the brain. 

When and Who Needs to Take an MRI Brain with Seizure Protocol? 

An MRI Brain with Seizure Protocol is recommended to patients that:  

• Have an active seizure disorder or recurrent seizures.  
• Have a family history of seizure disorders.  
• Suffer from head trauma or brain infection.  
• Are being evaluated for epilepsy surgery. 
• Are undergoing shifts in the patterns or frequency of seizures. 

Benefits of Taking the Test

An MRI Brain with a seizure protocol has the following advantages: 

• Great accuracy in imaging the anatomy and physiology of the brain. 
• Better detection of some abnormalities not seen in other imaging modalities. 
• Relatively painless and non-invasive. 

Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Brain with Seizure Protocol

Some of the common disorders identified with an MRI Brain with Seizure Protocol are: 

• Different forms of epilepsy and other seizure-related disorders. 
• Tumors of the brain such as gliomas and meningiomas. 
• Infective disorders of the brain like encephalitis and meningitis. 
• Acquired brain injury. 

Preparing for an MRI Brain with Seizure Protocol

Patients must:  

• Be at the facility at least half an hour before the scheduled time to fill and submit forms, if any. 
• Don loose, soft attire that is devoid of any non-fabric metallic clasps. 
• Take off accessories such as rings, necklaces, spectacles, and other metallic items. 

Pre-requisites 

For an MRI with a seizure protocol, there are no prerequisites, but any patient concerns should be communicated to the healthcare provider.  

Best Time to Take the MRI Brain with Seizure Protocol 

MRI procedures coupled with seizure protocols are best performed when patients are most symptomatic or have frequent seizures. 

Eligibility 

Seizure protocol MRIs can be performed on any patient regardless of age. Patients with kidney or liver problems will likely be excluded from receiving these procedures. 

Procedure for Taking an MRI Brain with Seizure Protocol 

The entire process for the seizure protocol MRI is expected to be between 30 and 60 minutes and will require the following: 

• The subjects undergo the placement on an MRI scanner table followed by securing with soft restraints. 
• A head coil is carefully fitted onto the head of the subject to facilitate enhanced imaging. 
• The MRI is powered on, and the patient is directed to be motionless as well as breath-hold for brief intervals.  
• The procedure is finalized, and the patient is taken out of the scanner. 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

Patients may notify their medical practitioner about all other relative conditions including but not limited to:  

• Anxiety or claustrophobia.  
• Implants or devices made of metals.  
• Currently pregnant or nursing a child.