Structural and Functional Imaging in Epilepsy – A Narrative Review

Aida M. Manole^{1, 2, 3}, Carmen A. Sîrbu^{1, 2, 3, 4}, Ruxandra Georgescu³, Octavian Vasiliu^{1, 5}, Razvan I. Dumitru⁶, Marian Mitrica^{1, 7,* ✉}, Octavian M. Sirbu^{1, 2, 7}

1 - Department of Clinical Neurosciences, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
2 - Doctoral School, Faculty of Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
3 - Department of Neurology, "Dr Carol Davila" University Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
4 - Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest, Romania
5 - Department of Psychiatry, "Dr Carol Davila" University Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
6 - Department of Radiology, "Dr Carol Davila" University Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
7 - Department of Neurosurgery, "Dr Carol Davila" University Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest, Romania

DOI: https://doi.org/10.55453/rjmm.2024.127.6.7

Received: February 23, 2024

Accepted: July 11, 2024

Abstract:

The primary objective of this narrative review is to evaluate the most frequently recommended structural and functional imaging methods in managing epilepsy cases as effectively as possible from a neurologist’s perspective. This review examines the background of current practice, from the beginnings of neuroimaging by computer tomography to the newly introduced methods and their combination, which helps diagnose and monitor these patients. The neuroimaging investigations required for the presurgical evaluation of patients with epilepsy are presented, and recommendations for specific MRI protocols are provided. The clinical use of functional imaging methods is also considered, and correlations between clinical aspects and specific imaging methods are explored, based on the retrieved data in the literature. In conclusion, this review emphasizes using functional and structural imaging methods, guided by clinical evidence, for better therapeutic management in patients with epilepsy.