Seizures Can Cause Fear and Confusion in Epilepsy Patients
Researchers studied a 27-year-old man with focal epilepsy, a type of epilepsy that originates in a specific area of the brain.
Imaging & EEG
This hub covers epilepsy EEG and MRI: how EEGs and brain imaging help doctors understand seizure patterns and possible causes. Clear explanations of common findings and what research suggests.
What you’ll find in this topic:
- Plain-language summaries of new epilepsy studies
- What the research means for real life
- Practical questions to ask your neurologist
- Related topics you can explore next
Imaging & EEG: What Families Usually Want to Know
- What an EEG can (and can’t) tell you
- Why EEGs can be “normal” even when seizures are real
- When MRI/other imaging matters (and what doctors look for)
- What “spikes,” “slowing,” and “epileptiform activity” mean
Common EEG & Imaging Terms in Plain English
- EEG: Measures electrical activity from the scalp (not a brain “scan”)
- Epileptiform discharges: Patterns that suggest seizure risk
- Ictal: Refers to during a seizure
- Interictal: Refers to between seizures
- Focal vs. Generalized: Pertaining to one specific spot on or network on one side of the brain vs. both sides/networks
- MRI Lesion: A structural change that might be related (not always)
Imaging & EEG FAQ
Can you have epilepsy with a normal EEG?
Yes. EEGs are a snapshot. Some people need repeat EEGs, sleep-deprived EEGs, or long-term monitoring.
Does an abnormal EEG mean someone will definitely have seizures?
Not always. It raises suspicion and risk, but diagnosis still depends on the full story.
Why do doctors order an MRI?
To look for structural causes like scars, malformations, tumors, and stroke-related changes, which can guide treatment.
What is video EEG monitoring?
An inpatient or extended study that records EEG and video together to match symptoms to brain activity.
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Surgery Options for Children With Generalized Tonic Seizures
This study looked at children with generalized tonic seizures (GTS) who underwent two types of surgeries: corpus callosotomy (CC) and focal surgery (FS).
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Devices & Neuromodulation | Drug-Resistant Epilepsy | Epilepsy Research Summaries | Imaging & EEG | New Studies
Shared Network Dysfunction Found in Focal Epilepsy Patients
Researchers studied how brain networks are affected in people with nonlesional focal epilepsy, which is a type of epilepsy that doesn’t show visible brain damage on scans.
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Understanding Lissencephaly: Genetic Insights for Better Diagnosis
This study focused on understanding lissencephaly (LIS), a brain condition that affects how the brain develops and can lead to serious developmental issues.
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Devices & Neuromodulation | Epilepsy Research Summaries | Imaging & EEG | New Studies | Status Epilepticus
MRI Abnormalities Linked to Higher Seizure Risk After Status Epilepticus
This study looked at adults who experienced a first episode of status epilepticus (SE), a serious condition where seizures last too long or happen back-to-back.
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New Insights on Seizures in Rare Genetic Disorder
Researchers studied a rare condition called PIGK-related GPI biosynthesis disorder in a 15-month-old girl.
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New Genetic Variant Linked to Brain Swelling in Children
Researchers studied a specific gene called SLC4A4, which is important for a protein known as NBCe1.
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ASL Imaging Offers Safe Alternative to FDG-PET in Kids
This study looked at two imaging techniques used to evaluate children with epilepsy before surgery.
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Devices & Neuromodulation | Drug-Resistant Epilepsy | Epilepsy Research Summaries | Genetics | Imaging & EEG | New Studies
Deep Learning May Help Locate Epilepsy Zones
Researchers studied how deep learning (DL) techniques can help locate the epileptogenic zone (EZ), which is the area in the brain that causes seizures, in people with drug-resistant epilepsy.
