Probiotics May Help Reduce Seizures in Epilepsy Patients
Researchers studied the effects of probiotics on people with epilepsy by analyzing data from six clinical trials that included a total of 656 patients.
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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Comorbidities | Devices & Neuromodulation | Epilepsy Research Summaries | Imaging & EEG | New Studies
Vagus Nerve Stimulation Reduces Seizures and Migraines in Patients
In this study, researchers looked at the effects of a treatment called transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on patients who have both epilepsy and migraine.
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Tuber Burden Predicts Early Epilepsy Onset in Children
This study looked at children with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a condition that can cause growths in the brain and lead to epilepsy.
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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 medications and cannot have surgery to remove the affected brain tissue.
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Fast Ripples May Improve Epilepsy Surgery Success Rates
Researchers studied the effectiveness of a new epilepsy marker called fast ripples (FRs) in predicting the success of epilepsy surgery.
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Drug-Resistant Epilepsy | Epilepsy Research Summaries | Genetics | Imaging & EEG | New Studies | Pediatrics
Vigabatrin May Cause Brain Changes in Some Children
Researchers studied two children with a rare type of epilepsy caused by changes in the WWOX gene.
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Pediatric Epilepsy Affects Brain Development in Key Age Ranges
This study looked at how epilepsy affects brain development in children aged 4 to 12 years who do not show clear signs of brain abnormalities on MRI scans.
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Weaning Off Ketogenic Diet in Kids With Epilepsy
This study looked at how children with epilepsy stop using the ketogenic diet therapy (KDT), which is a special diet that can help control seizures.
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Ambulatory EEGs May Help Diagnose Seizures in Dementia Patients
Researchers studied the use of a specific type of brain test called ambulatory EEG in older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia.
