Targeting Low-Entropy Zones Improves Surgery Success for Kids with Epilepsy
Researchers studied children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) to find better ways to predict the success of epilepsy surgery.
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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Drug-Resistant Epilepsy | Epilepsy Research Summaries | Genetics | Imaging & EEG | New Studies | Pediatrics
MRgLITT Offers Hope for Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
Researchers studied the use of magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) as a treatment for children with drug-resistant epilepsy, which means their seizures do not respond to standard medications.
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Guidelines for Resection in Glioma Surgery Released
Researchers studied how much of a brain tumor called glioma should be removed during surgery.
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Surgical Care for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome Varies Across Centers
This study looked at how pediatric epilepsy centers in the United States make decisions about surgery for children with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), a severe type of epilepsy.
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Lacosamide May Trigger New Seizure Type in Children
Researchers studied the effects of a medication called lacosamide (LCM) in three young patients with epilepsy.
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Drug-Resistant Epilepsy | Epilepsy Research Summaries | Genetics | Imaging & EEG | New Studies | Safety & First Aid
Combining Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Epilepsy Treatment
This study looked at how well a combination of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine works for people with refractory epilepsy (RE), which is a type of epilepsy that doesn’t respond well to standard treatments.
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Understanding Adult-Onset Genetic Generalized Epilepsy and Treatment Success
This study looked at adults who were newly diagnosed with a type of epilepsy called genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE).
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MRgLITT and Surgery Offer Similar Seizure Control for Epilepsy
A recent study looked at two different treatments for people with epilepsy caused by a brain condition called focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) that shows up on MRI scans.
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Improving Diagnosis of Late-Onset Epilepsy in Italy
This study focused on late-onset epilepsy (LOE), which occurs in people over the age of 50, and the challenges in diagnosing its causes.
