http://www.appliedradiology.com RSS Feed on Applied Radiologyhttp://www.appliedradiology.com//Issues/2002/12/Supplements/Magnetic-resonance-imaging-of-temporal-lobe-epilepsy.aspxMagnetic resonance (MR) imaging plays a pivotal role in every aspect of the diagnosis and management of temporal lobe epilepsy. Mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) is the most common epileptogenic lesion in human epilepsy. This review focuses on the 1) normal anatomy of the hippocampus; 2) MR features of MTS and its mimics; 3) functional MR imaging as well as newer modalities such as MR spectroscopy and diffusion tensor imaging; 4) the role of MR in surgery of temporal lobe epilepsy; and 5) other lesions that may cause temporal lobe epilepsy, such as tumors, vascular malformations, and dysplasias. MR techniques are crucial for a complete workup of a patient with seizures because the ultimate goals of treatment are relief from intractable symptoms and prevention of disastrous postresection complications, such as speech and memory loss.Tuesday, 04 Mar 2003 15:46:37 GMT