What are the MRI findings in Epilepsy? Neuroimaging of epilepsy – Drkhakar

What is an MRI?

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. An MRI machine takes very clear pictures of your brain using a magnetic field.

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/mri-machine-hospital-room-482984881

MRI machines are graded based on the strength of the magnetic field they can produce. If an MRI can create a powerful magnetic field, it produces very clear pictures of the Brain. Magnetic fields are measured in units called “Tesla.”

Here are some typical MRI (Magnetic) Strengths:

  • 1.5 Tesla – Most common.
  • 3 Tesla – Almost all Epilepsy centres have a 3Tesla MRI machine.
  • 7 Tesla – Strongest MRI approved for human use so far. Only manufactured by Siemens. Only a few hospitals in the world have this machine.

As you can imagine, a low strength MRI can fail to display tiny Brain abnormalities. Therefore, when a patient comes to an Epilepsy center, frequently, the first thing done is to get a brain MRI at high strength (at least 3Tesla).

If the MRI does not display an abnormality, does it mean that I do not have Epilepsy?

No.

In many cases, the brain abnormality can be so small that it cannot be detected even with an MRI. A 3Tesla MRI (the most common MRI at Epilepsy centres), fails to display brain abnormalities in roughly 50% of patients with Epilepsy.

As MRI strength continues to grow (e.g. 9T  & beyond), the number of people with Epilepsy in whom we cannot see the problem will decrease.

If the MRI displays an abnormality, does it mean that I definitely have Epilepsy?

No.

No one is perfect. Any MRI done on a person is bound to show some variations from normal.

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/brain-disease-diagnosis-medical-doctor-diagnosing-1525567082

Beyond a certain age (say 40 years), the effects of ageing become visible on the MRI. There may be changes caused by high blood pressure, by diabetes, by trauma, and so on. Very few of these things seen on an MRI are capable of producing seizures.

The critical question is: Does the thing seen on the MRI look like it can produce seizures? Answer this question requires expertise. A trained radiologist takes a very close look at the MRI and tries to identify it’s exact nature (more below). If he/she thinks that the abnormal thing is capable of producing Epilepsy, he labels it “Epileptogenic”.

If an abnormal thing seen on the MRI is thought to be capable of producing Epilepsy, it is called an “Epileptogenic Lesion”.

What are the different kinds of “Epileptogenic Lesions” seen on an MRI?

Let’s talk about the most common ones. Let’s list them first, before looking at what the MRIs look like:

Epileptogenic AbnormalityMeaning
LissencephalyFewer wrinkles on the Brain
PolymicrogyriaToo many wrinkles on the Brain
Focal Cortical DysplasiaPart (focal) of the brain surface (cortex) is abnormally formed (dysplasia)
Nodular HeterotopiaAbnormal bunch of cells stuck in strange locations inside the Brain
Tuberous SclerosisThe Brain has many large bumps (Tubers) on the surface & nodules deep inside (subependymal nodules)
Mesial Temporal SclerosisThe inner surface of the temporal lobes (behind our ears) is scarred.
Sturge-WeberThere are too many blood vessels over some parts of the brain, and the brain surface below these blood vessels is abnormal
CavernomaA bunch of thin-walled blood vessels that slowly leak blood
GliosisScarring of the Brain due to any reason, e.g. trauma due to a vehicular accident, stroke etc

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9d/Lissencephaly.jpg

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1d/TSC.png

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/neurosurgeon-cutting-brain-specimen-abnormal-vessel-1163324815

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1d/TSC.png

Even if an Epileptogenic lesion is not found, can the MRI help in diagnosing my disease?

Yes!

In some people, Epilepsy is caused by a chemical (Metabolic) problem. In these people as well, characteristic MRI changes (e.g. deposition of heavy metals) may help in diagnosing your condition.

For example, see the list below. This is just for reference, and not to be memorized:

Metabolic disease producing Epilepsy

Cause

MRI findings

Non-Ketotic HyperglycinemiaToo much of a substance called Glycine– Swelling and formation of fluid balloons in structures called the pyramidal tract, MCP and dentate nuclei
Maple Syrup DiseaseProblems in handling some kinds of proteins– Swelling of the entire Brain

– The white matter can become extremely bright

Zellweger syndromeAbnormal bubbles inside cells– Polymicrogyria & heterotopia (see above) just behind the ears.
– White matter has not developed the normal coating of fat.
Menke’s diseaseAccumulation of copper-Skull bones may be in pieces (wormian)

– Chronic subdural bleeds

– Brain shrinks

– White matter swells

– Copper accumulates in basal ganglia

– Blood vessels become tortuous

 

Note: MRI findings in other metabolic causes of seizures are given below, just for completion. This part is not necessary for you to read:

Metabolic disease producing EpilepsyCauseMRI findings
Methyl-Malonic AciduriaProblems in handling some kinds of proteins & fats– Specifically, swelling of small structures deep inside the Brain called Globus Pallidi
Glutaric Aciduria Type 1Problems in handling some kinds of proteins– Grooves on the side of the Brain (Sylvian fissures) become very wide
Hydroxy Glutaric AciduriaUnknown– Swelling of white matter just below the brain surface (U-fibers)
– Deep structures (esp Dentate Nucleus) show injury
Molybdenum Cofactor deficiencyAccumulation of a toxic substance called sulfite– The surface of the Brain becomes very bright as if it is starved of oxygen
Congenital Creatine DeficiencyLow levels of essential enzyme activity-No creatine inside cells
MELASAbnormal Mitochondria inside cells-Stroke-like lesions that move from one place to another
Leigh’s DiseaseUnknown– Deep structures start to die (Basal Ganglia & Dentate nucleus) with an accumulation of a chemical called lactate
Neuronal Ceroid LipofuscinosisAccumulation of fatty pigments (lipofuscin)-The back of the Brain shrinks

– White matter can become “dark.”

Caution: This information is not a substitute for professional care. Do not change your medications/treatment without your doctor's permission.
Dr. Siddharth Kharkar

Dr. Siddharth Kharkar

Dr. Siddharth Kharkar has been recognized as one of the best neurologists in Mumbai by Outlook India magazine and India today Magazine. He is a board certified (American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology certified) Neurologist.

Dr. Siddharth Kharkar is a Epilepsy specialist in Mumbai & Parkinson's specialist in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

He has trained in the best institutions in India, US and UK including KEM hospital in Mumbai, Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, University of California at San Francisco (UCSF), USA & Kings College in London.

Call 022-4897-1800

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  • Avatar Paras Prabhu ★★★★★ 6 months ago
    Out patient is epileptic from about 10 years and her seizure gotten worse during the past year with the frequency of about 3-4 times a week.So we consulted … More Dr. Kharkar. He tried a few medicines, and within 1.5-2 months now the patient is feeling very well now. There are no seizures for 14 days currently.Dr. tried to keep medicines as minimum as possible. He also tried to keep the cost of the treatment minimum.When some of the medicines started showing side-effects, he was quick to switch the medicines to the better options.Overall I think we are getting a best of the available treatments. We thank you very much Dr. Kharkar.
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    Dr Kharkar is gem of a doctor with tremendous patience, empathy, genuine concern for his patients .He guides them very methodically & scientifically … More for their neurological ill healthOur epilepsy patient is extremely happy with his treatment , Patient feels better by just visiting him too!May his selfless service to humanity flourish to reach all the needy patients!!
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    I consulted Dr Sidharth for my sister who has become very hyper and aggressive and we could not understand the issue. Keeping in mind she is someone with … More special needs Dr Sidharth was extremely understanding of the situation and did not put her through unnecessary investigation and avoided a very long stay at the hospital. He was infact more keen on her returning home to her natural environment. We highly appreciate Dr Sidharth for his effort and for looking into the matter with utmost care. It was a very difficult decision for my family to get my sister admitted but we are glad we did it under his care.Thankyou Doc.
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    my name is prashant purohit. I m become completely bed ridden from last 9 months and was unable to walk. I couldnt find out the cause even after visiting … More many doctors and many hospital in Ahmedabad nd jodhpur.started losing hope. A good friend of mine suggested to visit a neurologist. After searching a lot, I came to know about Dr. Siddharth Kharkar and took his appointment in Nanavati Hospital. He examined and said that he suffered from \u201cPKD(PAROXYSMAL KNESIGENIC DYSKNESIA\u201c. He assured us to reverse this in 5 days time. And indeed this happened. I started recovering miraculously. today I am fully well fit I m walking as normal . Many Many thanks to Dr. Siddharth Kharkhar sir for giving me a new life.
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  • Avatar N N ★★★★★ a year ago
    We visited Dr. Kharkhar for treatment regarding my mum - who is a multi-stroke patient and has aphasia. Certain medications were creating complications … More with her condition and Dr. Kharkhar was able to help mitigate the issue. We found him and his approach to be incredibly compassionate, considerate, individualized and patient-friendly. He advice is astute, up-to-date and empathetic. His treatment always comes from a deeply human place and is about seeing how to help the patient and their caregivers feel more at ease. Something that is quite rare and refreshing within the medical community.We feel that he genuinely cares about the patients that he is treating and is always kind and respectful in his communication. Moreover, his admin team is very efficient and prompt and it's a pleasure to deal with them.Would highly recommend Dr Kharkhar himself - though we must say our experience with Nanavati hospital itself has been less than ideal.Hope this helps.
  • Avatar Manish Ranjan ★★★★★ a year ago
    I have been visiting Dr Kharkar for treatment of my father. He is a very friendly doctor. He listens to our concerns with lot of patience. He also explains … More the issue in much greater details. He has really been of great help. My father is much better now.
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    One of the best Dr. Gives complete attention and time to listen to patient's history, issues. Explains various options of treatment with pros and … More cons.
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    Exceptional experience with an expert,Dr. Kharkar is a knowledge house. It is rare nowadays to find doctors with patience, knowledge, and a flair for … More handling patient’s questions, besides Dr. Kharkar’s bedside manners are exemplary. I am privileged to be treated by such an amazing soul. I have told him and will repeat it here that “I am advancing my move back to India although I am a US Citizen, because I know I am in good hands and will be well taken care of. Thanks Dr. Kharkar for your selfless service!
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    Great doctor!! Really appreciate.The doctor diagnosed to my sister correctly and start treatment, she has good improvement after taking medicine prescribed … More by doctor as no epilepsy attake. We have good experience with the doctor. Thank you

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Noted as one of the best Neurologists in Mumbai

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