Computed Tomography in the evaluation of seizures at the University Hospital of the West Indies

A retrospective evaluation of the Computed Tomography (CT) findings in thre e hundred and forty-four patients with seizures, presenting over a one-year period was carried out to determine the value of this examination in the a ssessment of these patients. Eighty-four per cent of patients had non-contr ast studies only. Of the remaining patients, two had contrast studies only and the rest had both non-contrast and contrast studies. All cerebral abnor malities detected on contrast studies were evident on non-contrast scans. F orty-two percent of all patients presenting with seizures were found to hav e a demonstrable abnormality on CT There was a greater detection rate in pa tients with seizures secondary to trauma, cerebrovascular incidents, infect ion, metabolic causes and suspected tumours. Computed tomography continues to have a place in the evaluation of certain types of seizure patients. The routine use of intravenous contrast does not appear to be justifiable.