Ultra-high Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Epilepsy: Clinical Application

Multiple magnetic resonance imaging modalities - from T۱/T۲-weighted structural imaging, to diffusion-weighted and functional MRI - achieve higher signal sensitivity and tissue contrast at ultrahigh field compared to scanning at lower field strengths. Higher sensitivity may in turn be used to facilitate higher spatial resolution in these sequences. Combined with novel post-processing and segmentation techniques, ultra-high field imaging may help to identify subtle imaging markers of pathophysiology. In the context of epilepsy, these sensitivity advantages may help to identify seizure foci undetected on clinical MRI and more widespread and systemic effects of the disease. These imaging markers may facilitate novel interventions like deep brain stimulation, or identify differential effects correlated with seizure frequency or treatment resistance. The high field neuroimaging team at Mount Sinai works across multiple MR imaging modalities and post-processing techniques to image and analyze this complex network disease.