Neuroimaging & Neuropsychological Evaluation

Neuroimaging is vital to an advanced epilepsy evaluation. A high-resolution MRI is the most important means of capturing neuro-images (pictures of activity in the brain) because of its excellent spatial resolution and detail.

When it’s hard to tell where the seizures are located, ictal SPECT may show an area of hyperperfusion corresponding to the seizure focus. FDG-PET is used at WVU to identify metabolic defects that may correspond to the seizure’s focus. In the Center for Advanced Imaging at WVU, we are dedicated to improving our ability to identify a seizure focus using advanced imaging techniques.

The neuropsychological evaluation establishes a cognitive baseline, determines memory reserve, and identifies cognitive defects that may point to a seizure focus. This evaluation takes place in an outpatient setting in a single day.