The role of CT scan in the diagnosis of epilepsy

Abstract

Background: Neuroimaging has an important application in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with seizures and epilepsy.Aims: To determine the diagnostic yield of CT scan in children with Epilepsy and recurrent seizures.Patients and Methods: A total of 100 patients with epilepsy referred for CT scan of the brain in Al-Yarmouk general hospital in Baghdad from November 2008 to January 2010, with an age of patients in between 2 days to 15 years. (M 68: F32).Results: Fifty one (51%) had abnormal neuro imaging of which 13 (13%) were found to have possible treatable causes and lesions requiring intervention.A high yield of positive scans distained in children with the presence of abnormal neurological examination focal EEG abnormalities and a history of neonatal seizures.Conclusions: Computed tomography is the standard clinical practice for a child with recurrent seizures, especially with the presence of abnormal neurologic examination and focal EEG changes.