Category Archive

Diagnosing Epilepsy

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

August 8, 2011

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a safe and non-invasive scanning technique. Instead of using X-rays, MRI is based on nuclear magnetic resonance. This means all atoms have nuclei with their own resonant frequency. If you disturb them, they sing like tuning forks. The different structural components of the brain have atoms with nuclei that have…

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

August 8, 2011

Positron Emission Tomography is a scanning technique which detects chemical and physiological changes related to metabolism. This procedure produces three-dimensional images of blood flow, chemical reactions and muscular activity in the body as they occur. It measures the intensity of the use (metabolization) of glucose, oxygen or other substances in the brain. More active brain…

Computerized (Axial) Tomographic Scan (CT or CAT Scan)

August 8, 2011

The CAT scan, also known as CT (Computed Tomography) imaging, is a safe and non-invasive procedure which uses low radiation X-rays to create a computer-generated, three-dimensional image of the brain. It provides detailed information about the structure of the brain. The CT scan uses a narrow beam of X-rays, which pass through the head and…

Neuropsychological Tests

August 8, 2011

Neuropsychological testing (also known as neuropsychometric testing) assesses a variety of brain functions including: memory, reading, comprehension, judgment, motor abilities, spatial perception and ability to process and interpret information. The tests quantitatively measure these functions to demonstrate possible abnormalities of the brain. This may help to identify the type of epilepsy an individual has and…