Is routine computerised axial tomography in epilepsy worth while?

The value of routine computerised axial tomography of the brain (CT scanning) was assessed in 220 consecutive patients with epilepsy or isolated seizures. Abnormal CT scans were found in more than half the patients with focal seizures associated with focal signs or a delta focus on the electroencephalogram (EEG). In patients without focal features the CT scan was normal in 94%. Only a quarter of the abnormalities found on CT scanning were potentially treatable by surgery, and only 10% of all the patients had their management changed as a result of CT scanning. In 3 patients with tumours the first scan had been normal. Careful clinical assessment and examination supported by an EEG remain of paramount importance in the management of epilepsy, and CT scanning should be reserved for patients with focal features.