Research Article

Spectrum of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Findings in Epilepsy

Volume: 14 Number: 1 June 21, 2026
TR EN

Spectrum of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Findings in Epilepsy

Abstract

Background & Aim of the study: Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disorder with major clinical and social implications. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most sensitive imaging modality for detecting structural brain abnormalities that underlie epilepsy, yet systematic data from Iraq remain scarce. The aim of this study is to characterize the spectrum of MRI findings in Iraqi children with epilepsy and assess their diagnostic yield in relation to clinical features. 

Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, between January 2024 and September 2024. clinically diagnosed epilepsy and MRI scans were evaluated for structural abnormalities, and findings were analyzed alongside demographic and clinical data using SPSS software. 

Results: Abnormal MRI findings were present in 51% of patients. The most frequent abnormalities were cerebral atrophy (26%) and hydrocephalus (9%). Infarction was the leading specific pathology (13 cases). Other less common findings included tumors, abscesses, vascular malformations, and hematomas. Patients with associated neurological deficits, including cerebral palsy and developmental delay, showed a higher rate of positive MRI findings (62%). 

Conclusion: MRI is a valuable diagnostic tool in pediatric epilepsy, revealing structural abnormalities in more than half of cases. Its role is especially critical in patients with neurological comorbidities, where early detection of underlying lesions may alter treatment strategies and improve outcomes. These findings emphasize the need for wider access to MRI in resource-limited settings such as Iraq.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Infant and Child Health, Paediatrics (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

June 21, 2026

Submission Date

March 16, 2026

Acceptance Date

May 5, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 14 Number: 1

APA
Gabur, A. M., Khalid, J. M., & Al-Ezzi, J. İ. (2026). Spectrum of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Findings in Epilepsy. Pediatric Practice and Research, 14(1), 1907939. https://doi.org/10.21765/pprjournal.1907939
AMA
1.Gabur AM, Khalid JM, Al-Ezzi Jİ. Spectrum of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Findings in Epilepsy. pediatr pract res. 2026;14(1):1907939. doi:10.21765/pprjournal.1907939
Chicago
Gabur, Amer Murad, Jenan Mohammed Khalid, and Jalil İbrahim Al-Ezzi. 2026. “Spectrum of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Findings in Epilepsy”. Pediatric Practice and Research 14 (1): 1907939. https://doi.org/10.21765/pprjournal.1907939.
EndNote
Gabur AM, Khalid JM, Al-Ezzi Jİ (June 1, 2026) Spectrum of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Findings in Epilepsy. Pediatric Practice and Research 14 1 1907939.
IEEE
[1]A. M. Gabur, J. M. Khalid, and J. İ. Al-Ezzi, “Spectrum of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Findings in Epilepsy”, pediatr pract res, vol. 14, no. 1, p. 1907939, June 2026, doi: 10.21765/pprjournal.1907939.
ISNAD
Gabur, Amer Murad - Khalid, Jenan Mohammed - Al-Ezzi, Jalil İbrahim. “Spectrum of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Findings in Epilepsy”. Pediatric Practice and Research 14/1 (June 1, 2026): 1907939. https://doi.org/10.21765/pprjournal.1907939.
JAMA
1.Gabur AM, Khalid JM, Al-Ezzi Jİ. Spectrum of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Findings in Epilepsy. pediatr pract res. 2026;14:1907939.
MLA
Gabur, Amer Murad, et al. “Spectrum of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Findings in Epilepsy”. Pediatric Practice and Research, vol. 14, no. 1, June 2026, p. 1907939, doi:10.21765/pprjournal.1907939.
Vancouver
1.Amer Murad Gabur, Jenan Mohammed Khalid, Jalil İbrahim Al-Ezzi. Spectrum of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Findings in Epilepsy. pediatr pract res. 2026 Jun. 1;14(1):1907939. doi:10.21765/pprjournal.1907939