MRI and PET Scans Help Identify Epilepsy in Children
This study looked at two brain imaging techniques, Arterial Spin Labelling MRI and [18F]FDG-PET, to see how well they can identify the area of the brain causing seizures in children with epilepsy.
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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Timing TMS With Brain Activity May Help Epilepsy Treatment
Researchers studied the timing of a technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in two children with a specific type of epilepsy known as self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes.
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Comorbidities | Drug-Resistant Epilepsy | Epilepsy Research Summaries | Imaging & EEG | New Studies | Pediatrics
New Insights on Pediatric Autoimmune Encephalitis and Epilepsy
Researchers studied pediatric autoimmune encephalitis-associated epilepsy (AEAE), which is a type of epilepsy linked to problems in the immune system.
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NUS1 Variants Linked to Generalized Epilepsy in Children
This study looked at five patients with a specific genetic condition related to epilepsy called NUS1-related disorder.
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Devices & Neuromodulation | Drug-Resistant Epilepsy | Epilepsy Research Summaries | Genetics | Imaging & EEG | New Studies
Targeting Deep Brain Stimulation for Better Epilepsy Outcomes
Researchers studied deep brain stimulation (DBS) as a treatment for people with epilepsy who do not respond to medication and cannot have surgery.
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Sound Triggers Severe Seizures in CDKL5 Deficient Mice
Researchers studied a genetic condition called CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) using mice that lack the CDKL5 gene.
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Drug-Resistant Epilepsy | Epilepsy Research Summaries | Imaging & EEG | New Studies | Safety & First Aid
Robot-Assisted sEEG Saves Time Without Sacrificing Accuracy
Researchers studied two methods of placing electrodes in the brain for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy: robot-assisted stereoelectroencephalography (sEEG) and frame-based sEEG.
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Timing TMS With Brain Activity May Help Treat Epilepsy
Researchers studied a method called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to see if it could be effectively timed to occur during specific brain activity known as interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs).
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Drug-Resistant Epilepsy | Epilepsy Research Summaries | Genetics | Imaging & EEG | New Studies | SUDEP
Wearable Devices Improve Seizure Detection and Prediction
Researchers studied different ways to detect and predict generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS), which are severe types of seizures that can lead to serious health risks.
