Aims: Epilepsy is one of the most common children diseases, and MRI is a method to understand its etiology. Since there was no MRI in many medical centers, the aim of this study was to compare the findings of CT scan and MRI without contrast in epileptic children.    

Instrument & Methods: In this descriptive-analytic study, 1-month to 14-year old epileptic children (n=160) referred to Pediatric Neurology Clinic of Yazd Shahid Sadoughi Medical University were studied in September 2012. Data was recorded in a questionnaire via interviews with the parents, biography, physical exams, and investigating the findings of CT scan and MRI. Data was analyzed in SPSS 15 software using Chi-square test. 

Findings: There were normal and abnormal CT scans in 121 (75.6%) and 39 (24.4%) children, respectively. There were normal and abnormal MRI findings in 84 (52.5%) and 76 (47.5%) children, respectively. The results of CT scan and MRI were consistent in 119 (73.4%) children (p=0.001). There were more prevalent abnormal CT scans in less than 6 months children, developmental delayed children, abnormal physical exam, and epileptic abnormal electroencephalography. There were more prevalent abnormal MRI cases in 2-14 years children, developmental delayed children, abnormal physical exam, focal seizure, and non-specific abnormal electroencephalography.

Conclusion: To investigate 2-14 years old epileptic children, focal seizure, and non-specific abnormal electroencephalography, MRI is preferable than CT scan. The latter is useful in less than 6 months children, developmental delayed children, abnormal physical exam, and epileptic abnormal electroencephalography.