Pragmatic and behavioral aspects of computerized tomographic scanning in epileptic patients

The computerized tomographic scan (CT) is a valuable method for screening the epileptic population. From the pragmatic standpoint, it is safe and nonpainful, and the cost is offset by its usefulness in uncovering and treating unexpected lesions such as brain tumors. In patients with brain tumors, CT scans are valuable for posttherapy follow-up and for determining the time for appropriate therapy in patients with minimal or no neurological deficits. The CT scan is far superior to routine skull x-ray and nuclear scan studies. Electroencephalography, the prime laboratory method for investigating epilepsy, is not as useful as the CT scan for demonstrating structural changes. In posttraumatic, postcerebrovascular accident and postinfectious patients, demonstration of the lesion is helpful from a behavioral standpoint, for understanding the patient’s psychological, emotional and cognitive difficulties. The psychological management of brain tumor patients is greatly aided by repeated CT scan studies.