Functional Neuroimaging

Principles in diagnosis of epilepsy

• When a region of brain generates seizure, its regional blood flow, metabolic rate and glucose utilization increase
• After seizure, there is a decline to below the level of other brain regions throughout the interictal period

Functional Neuroimaging

• Modalities available: ■ Positron Emission Tomography (PET) ■ Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography (SPECT) ■ Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
• Mostly used in: ■ Planning epilepsy surgery ■ Identifying epileptogenic region ■ Localizing brain function