MRI Brain with Epilepsy Protocol

Key differences vs. standard brain MRI

• Thinner slices: 2 mm instead of the usual 5 mm, catching tiny lesions.
• Angled cuts: Coronal oblique slices line up perfectly with the hippocampus.
• Extra sequences: FLAIR, DWI, SWI, and 3D T1 give a 360° view of seizure-prone areas.

Why Cadabams Diagnostics uses 3T magnet strength

A 3T scanner delivers twice the signal of a 1.5T machine. That means:

• Sharper pictures of small structures like the amygdala and hippocampus.
• Faster scans, reducing movement blur—especially helpful for children.
• Better detection of cortical dysplasia and subtle tumors.

How this scan shortens the road to diagnosis

By combining high-resolution anatomy with functional data, our epilepsy protocol often reveals the seizure focus in a single 30-minute session. This cuts down repeat scans and lets your neurologist start targeted treatment sooner.

• High-resolution T1 & T2 coronal oblique 2 mm slices – visualize hippocampal architecture.
• FLAIR axial & coronal – detect gliosis and sclerosis.
• DWI/ADC and SWI sequences – rule out acute stroke or micro-bleeds.
• Hippocampal volumetry – quantifies atrophy linked to temporal-lobe epilepsy.

• Pinpoint seizure focus – shows exactly where abnormal activity starts.
• Detect mesial temporal sclerosis – the most common cause of drug-resistant epilepsy.
• Rule out tumors or vascular malformations – ensures the right treatment path.

• Non-invasive, radiation-free – safe for children and repeated follow-ups.
• Guides medication vs surgery decisions – objective data helps your neurologist choose.
• Improves long-term seizure control – early, accurate diagnosis leads to better outcomes.

• Temporal lobe epilepsy
• Cortical dysplasia
• Hippocampal sclerosis
• Brain tumors & vascular lesions

• Fasting & medication instructions: Light meal is fine unless sedation is planned; take regular anti-seizure meds.
• Metal screening checklist: Remove jewelry, hairpins, hearing aids, and credit cards.
• Sedation options for children: Pediatric anesthetist available for kids under 6 or those with movement disorders.

• Recent creatinine report if contrast is planned.
• Seizure history questionnaire – helps the radiologist focus on relevant areas.
• Prior imaging CDs – comparison improves diagnostic accuracy.

• Within 24 h of first seizure (ideal) – captures acute changes.
• When medication fails after 2 adequate trials – signals need for advanced workup.
• Pre-surgical evaluation phase – mandatory before any invasive procedure.

• Age ≥ 4 years (or ≥ 2 years with sedation)
• No MRI-incompatible implants
• Pregnancy screening for women of child-bearing age

1. Registration & safety screening (10 min) – verify identity, check implants.
2. Positioning & coil placement (5 min) – head coil fitted like a helmet.
3. Scan sequences (25–35 min) – you’ll hear loud knocking; stay still.
4. Contrast injection if indicated (5 min) – quick IV push, no pain.

• Remove all metallic objects – including rings and fitness trackers.
• Inform about tattoos & implants – some inks heat up; we adjust settings.
• Discuss sedation risks with pediatric patients – our anesthetist explains everything beforehand.

MRI safety (pacemakers, implants)

• Absolute no-go: Pacemakers, cochlear implants, some aneurysm clips.
• Conditional devices: Modern implants labeled “MRI-conditional” are safe at 3T—bring your device card.

Claustrophobia considerations

• Open-bore 3T scanners and music headsets are available.
• Mild oral sedation can be arranged on request.

False-negative and false-positive findings

• Tiny lesions can still be missed; follow-up may be needed.
• Benign variants (e.g., choroid fissure cysts) can mimic pathology—our neuroradiologists double-check every case.