Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or fMRI, is an interactive but painless diagnostic test that may be done to help evaluate patients who are candidates for epilepsy surgery. The purpose of the test is to determine whether the brain tissue at the location where seizures are focused can be safely removed without impacting the patient’s ability to move, speak and process sensory data. This imaging study, which can take two or more hours to complete, involves having the patient read, respond to various pictures, follow directions and otherwise react to verbal queues as instructed during the imaging. A trained radiologist will read the results of the test, and epileptologists and surgeons will thoroughly discuss these in planning for an anticipated epilepsy surgery within the weeks prior to the procedure.