Spotty Research

Researchers have identified the potential benefits of a new computer application designed to automatically detect subtle brain lesions in patients with epilepsy via MRI scans.

The software can help radiologists identify and visually pinpoint previously undetectable lesions that may be operable.

Lead author Thomas Thesen, PhD, assistant professor, Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Medical Center, said the method identified abnormal areas in MRI scans in 92 percent of the patients sampled. He said the technology can detect lesions that are unable to be seen by the human eye.

The study, known as “Detection of epileptogenic cortical malformations with surface-based MRI morphometry,” demonstrates detection of epileptogenic-structural abnormalities in a region of the brain known as the cortex, and demonstrates scientists' inability to use creativity when titiling studies.

Researchers are now looking to utilize the application for previously negative MRI scans.

Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disorder characterized by different types of seizures. There are more than 40 different types of epilepsy ranging in severity and seizure type.