Preliminary Diagnosis: Seizures
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis?
MRI with contrast of the brain with seizure protocol.
II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosing seizures.
Advantages
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Able to detail the brain parenchyma for gray and/or white matter abnormalities.
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Does not make use of ionizing radiation.
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Disadvantages
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Subject to motion artifact, which degrades image quality.
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
Contraindications include non-MR compatible hardware.
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
CT scan of the brain without contrast.
V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosing seizures.
Advantages
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Less expensive and faster to perform as compared to MR imaging.
Disadvantages
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Less sensitive and specific for evaluating structural parenchymal abnormalities that serves as an epileptogenic focus.
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Exposes patients to ionizing radiation.
VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
May be contraindicated in pregnant patients.
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