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Source-level EEG and graph theory reveal widespread functional network alterations in focal epilepsy.
- Source :
-
Clinical neurophysiology : official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology [Clin Neurophysiol] 2021 Jul; Vol. 132 (7), pp. 1663-1676. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Apr 30. - Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- Objective: The hypersynchronous neuronal activity associated with epilepsy causes widespread functional network disruptions extending beyond the epileptogenic zone. This altered network topology is considered a mediator for non-seizure symptoms, such as cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to investigate functional network alterations in focal epilepsy patients with good seizure control and high quality of life.<br />Methods: We compared twenty-two focal epilepsy patients and sixteen healthy controls on graph metrics derived from functional connectivity of source-level resting-state EEG. Graph metrics were calculated over a range of network densities in five frequency bands.<br />Results: We observed a significantly increased small world index in patients relative to controls. On the local level, two left-hemisphere regions displayed a shift towards greater alpha band "hubness". The findings were not mediated by age, sex or education, nor by age of epilepsy onset, duration or focus lateralisation.<br />Conclusions: Widespread functional network alterations are evident in focal epilepsy, even in a cohort characterised by successful anti-seizure medication therapy and high quality of life. These findings might support the position that functional network analysis could hold clinical relevance for epilepsy.<br />Significance: Focal epilepsy is accompanied by global and local functional network aberrancies which might be implied in the sustenance of non-seizure symptoms.<br />Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.<br /> (Copyright © 2021 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1872-8952
- Volume :
- 132
- Issue :
- 7
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Clinical neurophysiology : official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 34044189
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinph.2021.04.008