In the study 31 patients were scanned with the new approach. Over half of the images (57%) were clearer than with existing methods, while the rest were of equal quality. As a result, 18 patients are managing their epilepsy differently, including nine who are now able to have potentially curative surgery.
The study also investigated the patient experience of the new scan, which showed it was just as comfortable as standard MRI.
The research team at CUH are continuing trials using 7T MRI and hope more patients will benefit as a result of taking part.
The research was supported by the Cambridge University Hospitals Academic Fund and the Medical Research Council, with support from the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre.