Health

Study: New MRI Scan Shows Promise in Treating Epilepsy

Published MAR 21 2025

Story

Above: Epilepsy, MRI. Image credit: BSIP/Contributor/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The Facts

In research published Friday in Epilepsia, researchers in Cambridge and Paris detailed their use of 7T MRI scanners with eight transmitters — instead of the usual one — to identify tiny brain lesions causing treatment-resistant epilepsy, overcoming previous limitations of signal blackspots in crucial brain areas.
University of Cambridge
News
In the study, the parallel transmit 7T scanner identified previously unseen structural lesions in nine out of 31 tested patients, confirmed suspected lesions in four patients, and showed that suspected lesions could be disregarded in four others.
University of Cambridge
SciTech Daily
More than half of the study participants (18 patients, or 58%) had their epilepsy management changed as a result of the new scanning technique, with nine patients being offered surgery and one offered laser treatment.
guardian
EurekAlert!
The new scanning method proved superior to conventional techniques, with parallel transmit 7T images being clearer than single transmit 7T images in 57% of cases while performing at least equally well in all other cases.
Yahoo! News
guardian
EurekAlert!
Patients reported only minor and occasional negative experiences with the new scanning technique, such as dizziness on scanner entry and additional claustrophobia from the head coil, suggesting its acceptability for clinical use.
EurekAlert!
SciTech Daily
Around 360K people in the UK have focal epilepsy, with a third experiencing persistent seizures despite medication, making surgery their only potential cure option. Epileptic seizures are the sixth most common reason for hospital admission.
News
Medicalxpress

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The Spin

Narrative A

This breakthrough is a significant advancement in epilepsy treatment because it is minimally invasive and reduces risks and recovery time compared to traditional methods. It can help more precisely identify brain lesions, double the chances of successful surgical outcomes, and aid patients in returning to normal activities that were previously impossible.

University of Cambridge

Narrative B

Anything that can improve the lives of people with drug-resistant epilepsy is to be welcomed. However, this technique has side effects, with patients reporting occasional negative experiences — meaning it's not suitable for everyone. Clinical and research staff must conduct more research to identify which patients would benefit most from this treatment approach.

guardian