Comparison of MRI and EEG findings in epilepsy.

Abstract

Epilepsy is quite common in the Maltese Islands. The researcher observed many patients that were diagnosed with epilepsy and were referred for an EEG test and an MRI scan of the brain. Objectives The research study was done to compare the result of the EEG and the MRI and check whether both tests are comparable so one procedure may be sufficient for the follow up of epilepsy. Methodology This was performed by a retrospective study at a local public hospital in Malta on 104 patients of any age and gender who were diagnosed with epilepsy and performed both an MRI scan an EEG test. The MRI machine available was a 1.5 Tesla but does not included functional MRI. Results The results obtained indicated that there is no association between the MRI and the EEG results so both tests should still be performed. Conclusions The results of this study should in no way be considered as conclusive. Further research must be done in order to obtain more significant results especially when functional MRI is available in Malta. The researcher recommends that the study should be done prospectively and on a larger sample size.