High-Resolution Advanced MRI Scanning to Detect Hidden Brain Lesions in Drug-Resistant Focal Epilepsy

What This Trial Is About

This research aims to improve the detection of subtle brain lesions that cause focal epilepsy, a condition where seizures start in a specific brain area. Patients with structural lesions tend to have more frequent seizures, and sometimes standard MRI scans do not reveal these lesions. The study focuses on using advanced MRI techniques, especially T1-weighted inversion recovery sequences, to better identify these lesions in patients whose initial MRI showed no findings. Participants will undergo MRI scanning using a 3T MRI machine with specialized high-resolution sequences. These include 2D T1-weighted inversion recovery sequences, 3D FLAIR whole brain imaging, and 3D T1-weighted Sagittal MPRAGE sequences. Additional sequences may be used for clinical planning as needed. This dedicated MRI protocol is expected to enhance lesion detection compared to standard imaging. During the study, patients will have their MRI scans assessed for accuracy in diagnosing focal epilepsy lesions, typically within one day of scanning. Participants must provide informed consent before the MRI, and those under 18 will have consent obtained from a guardian. The main measure is how well the high-resolution MRI detects lesions that were missed on previous scans. The study will monitor patient cooperation and safety throughout the imaging process, with total involvement mainly focused on the MRI procedure.

High-resolution Multi-parametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Focal Epilepsy