Witnessing a loved one having a seizure (or "fit") is one of the most frightening experiences a family can go through. The shaking, the loss of consciousness, the confusion afterwards—it leaves everyone asking just one question:
"Why did this happen?"
At Magnus Diagnostics, we work closely with top Neurologists in Thrissur and Ernakulam to answer that question. But before we talk about scans, every family must know the Safety Rules.
🛑 First Aid: What To Do (And What NOT To Do)
If someone has a seizure in front of you, follow these rules. Print this out or memorize it.
DO:
- Stay Calm: You cannot stop the seizure. You can only keep them safe.
- Time It: Look at your watch. Most seizures stop within 1-2 minutes.
- Cushion the Head: Place something soft (like a folded jacket) under their head.
- Turn on Side: Once the shaking stops, roll them onto their side (Recovery Position) to keep their airway clear.
🚫 DO NOT:
- Do NOT put anything in their mouth: They will not "swallow their tongue." Putting a spoon or fingers in can break their teeth or bite you.
- Do NOT hold them down: Reviewing movements can cause bone fractures.
- Do NOT give water: Until they are fully awake and talking.
The Investigation: Why Do We Need a Scan?
A seizure is caused by an electrical short-circuit in the brain. Our job as Radiologists is to find the "spark" that started the fire.
1. The Emergency CT Brain
If a patient is brought to the casualty with a first-time seizure, we often do a CT Brain immediately.
- Why? To rule out immediate dangers like a brain bleed, a large tumor, or a stroke.
- Limitation: A CT scan is often normal in epilepsy patients because it cannot see the tiny scarring that causes seizures.
2. The "Epilepsy Protocol" MRI
This is the Gold Standard. If the CT is normal but seizures continue, we perform a specialized MRI Epilepsy Protocol.
This is NOT a regular MRI. We take thin, high-resolution slices of specific areas:
- Hippocampus: We look for Mesial Temporal Sclerosis (scaring in the memory center), the #1 cause of adult epilepsy.
- Cortical Dysplasia: Tiny folds in the brain that didn't form correctly at birth.
- Cavernomas: Small clusters of abnormal blood vessels.
"My MRI was normal, but I still have seizures."
This is frustrating, but common. It means the cause isn't "structural" (like a scar or tumor). It might be:
- Genetic: A chemical imbalance in the brain cells.
- Metabolic: Low sodium or high sugar levels.
- Sleep Deprivation: A major trigger for many young people.
In these cases, the doctor will rely on an EEG (Electroencephalogram) to track the electrical waves directly.
A Note for Parents
Febrile Seizures (fits caused by high fever) are very common in children under 5. They are terrifying but usually harmless long-term. Always see a Pediatrician, but know that they often don't require an MRI unless the doctor finding something unusual.
🏥 Magnus Diagnostics - Epilepsy Care
We specialize in high-resolution Epilepsy Protocol MRIs.
- Irinjalakuda
- North Paravur
📞 Appointments: +91 89031 01010
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