Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain in Adults Presenting With New Onset Seizures

International Journal of Medical Science

© 2015 by SSRG - IJMS Journal

Volume 2 Issue 3

Year of Publication : 2015

Authors : Pannag Desai K N and Ravi N

10.14445/23939117/IJMS-V2I3P105

How to Cite?

Pannag Desai K N and Ravi N, "Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain in Adults Presenting With New Onset Seizures," SSRG International Journal of Medical Science, vol. 2,  no. 3, pp. 23-33, 2015. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23939117/IJMS-V2I3P105

Abstract:

Aim: A seizure is a paroxysmal event due to abnormal excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain. Although a variety of factors influence the incidence and prevalence of seizures, 5–10% of the population will have at least one seizure in their lifetime. The aim of this study is to study and classify brain magnetic resonance imaging findings in adults aged 18 to 80 years who presented with new onset seizures. Materials and Methods: Clinical records and imaging studies of patients between the ages of 18 to 80 years with first clinical presentation of seizures, who presented to the department of Radio-diagnosis, Victoria Hospital, BMCRI, for MRI examination of the brain between September 2013 and August 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Of the total 164 patients (male- 103, female-62) who presented to us, 73.7% (n=121) presented with generalized tonic clinic seizures, 10.9% (n=18) presented with focal seizures, 9.1% (n=15) presented with complex partial seizures and 6.0% (n=10) presented with other varieties. 45.7% (n=75) of brain MRI studies showed no abnormality, 15.2 % (n=25) showed infectious lesions, 20.1% (n=33) showed neuroparenchymal is chemical/bleed and their complications, 9.2% (n=15) showed intracranial tumours and 9.8% (n=16) showed other miscellaneous findings. Conclusion: 54.3% of all adults with new onset seizures who underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed positive findings, suggesting that MRI can contribute significantly to the determination of causality of the seizure. This provides an explanation for the patient's seizures and points to the need for chronic anticonvulsant therapy or possible surgical resection.

Keywords:

Adult seizures, epilepsy, magnetic resonance imaging, neuroimaging, new onset seizures

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