Sixty epilepsy patients will soon be examined using two of the world's most powerful MRI scanners. Researchers hope to use these scanners to detect the source of epilepsy in patients where they previously could not.
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder that is common and characterised by seizures that occur repeatedly. During such a seizure, a temporary short circuit in the brain occurs, so to speak. In a proportion of patients, this short-circuit occurs in one specific area of the brain, which is also called focal epilepsy.
Source detection
In many cases, it is possible to use a traditional scanner to detect the abnormality that is the source of the epileptic seizures. If this spot is found, a neurosurgeon can surgically remove the potential source. In three out of 10 patients, however, it is not possible to detect an abnormality via a traditional MRI scan. For these patients, the chances of successful surgery and thus cure of epilepsy are much lower.
"There are indications that more powerful MRI scanners could change that," says neurologist Dr Albert Colon, project leader on behalf of Kempenhaeghe. Neurosurgeons and neurologists from the Academic Centre for Epileptology (ACE) sites Maastricht UMC+ and Kempenhaeghe, Maastricht University's research school MHeNS, the Department of Neurosurgery at the Universteitsziekenhuis Aachen (Germany) and Scannexus are therefore going to investigate whether they can use a more powerful MRI scanner to find the potential source of epilepsy in these patients too. To do so, the researchers will use a very powerful MRI scanner from the Maastricht research institute Scannexus, located near Maastricht UMC+.The research project is titled EpiUltraStudie and will receive a two-tonne grant from the Epilepsy Fund.
9.4 Tesla MRI scanner
The power of an MRI scanner is expressed in Tesla, which represents the strength of the magnetic field. The more powerful the field, the more accurate and detailed a scan. A typical MRI scanner in a hospital has a maximum strength of 3 Tesla. Scannexus, however, has stronger MRI scanners:
- A 7 Tesla Magnetom MRI scanner typically used for scientific research. Findings made here are translated if necessary to be applicable to 3 Tesla MRI scanners.
- A 9.4 Tesla Magnetom MRI scanner that allows for very high-resolution scans. According to Scannexus, these scans offer "unparalleled insights into the architecture and mechanisms of the brain and body". Only five units of this scanner are currently operational worldwide.
This time the MRI scanners will be used for epilepsy research at Academic Centre for Epileptology of Maastricht UMC+ and Kempenhaeghe and will be scanned for diagnostic purposes.
Sixty patients to be examined
A total of 60 patients, all eligible for epilepsy surgery, will be examined in the scanners. Most of the participants will be scanned using the 7 Tesla MRI scanner. One in six is eligible for a 9.4 Tesla scan.
"It is of course fantastic that we can use these innovative techniques for our diagnostics," says neurosurgeon Dr Olaf Schijns, project leader on behalf of Maastricht UMC+. "Ultimately, we hope to be able to find the abnormality in the brain and thus the potential source of the epilepsy in almost every patient. That way, we can offer tailor-made treatment and increase the chances of a cure."
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
