3 Tesla: Detecting Subtle Epileptogenic Lesions

Specialized MRI for Epilepsy – Detecting the Smallest Changes

State-of-the-art 3-Tesla MRI technology helps us identify potential causes of epileptic seizures more accurately.

Epileptic seizures can be triggered by the slightest changes in the brain, which are sometimes difficult to detect with conventional MRI scans.

Using specialized, high-resolution MRI techniques, we can examine the brain in great detail and specifically search for possible causes of the seizures.

Our Specialized Imaging Techniques

  • High-resolution 3D MRI scans: We generate exceptionally detailed images of the brain that can be viewed from various angles. This allows even very small changes in the cerebral cortex to become visible.

  • Targeted examination of the hippocampus: The hippocampus is a region of the brain that is important for memory, among other functions, and plays a special role in certain forms of epilepsy. Specialized MRI scans allow us to detect even subtle changes in this area.

  • Search for Possible Causes of Epilepsy: We pay particular attention to congenital developmental abnormalities of the cerebral cortex, scarring in the hippocampus, small tumors, and other structural changes that can trigger epileptic seizures.

  • Measurement of cerebral blood flow (ASL perfusion): This technique allows us to visualize changes in blood flow to specific brain regions without the use of contrast agents. Depending on the timing of the examination, increased or decreased blood flow can provide clues as to which brain regions are involved in the seizures.

Why is a specialized MRI important?

Some causes of epilepsy may initially go undetected with a conventional MRI scan. Using high-resolution images from a 3-Tesla MRI, we can identify changes that might be overlooked in less detailed images.

Accurately identifying a possible cause of seizures is particularly important for planning targeted further treatment and, if necessary, assessing the options for epilepsy surgery.

Close Collaboration with Neurology and Epileptology

Through close collaboration with specialized neurologists and epileptologists, we can correlate the MRI findings with the patient’s symptoms and other tests, particularly the EEG.

Our goal: To identify the cause of epileptic seizures as accurately as possible and thereby lay the foundation for a personalized treatment plan.

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