Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Focus Detection Based on the Correlation Between Brain MR Images and EEG Recordings with a Decision Tree.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVES

In this study, a medical decision support system is presented to assist physicians in epileptic focus detection by correlating MRI and EEG data of temporal lobe epilepsy patients.

METHODS

By exploiting the asymmetry in the hippocampus in MRI images and using voxel-based morphometry analysis, gray matter reduction in the temporal and limbic lobes is detected, and epileptic focus prediction is realized. In addition, an epileptic focus is also determined by calculating the asymmetry score from EEG channels. Finally, epileptic focus detection was performed by associating MRI and EEG data with a decision tree.

RESULTS

The results obtained from the proposed algorithm provide 100% overlap with the physician's finding on the EEG data.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI and EEG correlation in epileptic focus detection was improved compared with physicians. The proposed algorithm can be used as a medical decision support system for epilepsy diagnosis, treatment, and surgery planning.