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Chapter 14 - Neuroimaging in Pregnancy and Epilepsy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 December 2024

By
Paula Alcaide Leon  and
Kalliopi A. Petropoulou
Edited by
Esther Bui  and
P. Emanuela Voinescu
Esther Bui
Affiliation:
Toronto Western Hospital
P. Emanuela Voinescu
Affiliation:
Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
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Summary

Neuroimaging plays an important role in workup of pregnant patients with seizures. Seizures in pregnant and postpartum women may be due to pre-existing epilepsy, the initial manifestation of a primary central nervous system–related problem, or a neurologic problem unique to pregnancy and the postpartum period. Multidisciplinary decision making is required when selecting the most suitable neuroimaging technique and the specific protocol. The different clinical scenarios in a pregnant patient with seizures are reviewed and suitable MR protocols are discussed for each clinical context. Safety considerations for CT and MR as well as iodinated and gadolinium-based contrasts are summarized, together with the most recent recommendations.

Type
Chapter
Information
Women with Epilepsy
A Practical Management Handbook
 , pp. 241 - 256
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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