Magnetoencephalographic pattern of epileptiform activity in children with early-onset autism spectrum disorders
J A Muñoz-Yunta1, T Ortiz2, M Palau-Baduell3
1Unit of Neuropediatrics, Hospital Universitari del Mar, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Marítim 25-29, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain.
Insights
Magnetoencephalography (MEG) reveals frequent subclinical epileptiform activity in children with early-onset autism spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly in perisylvian regions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
- Early diagnosis and understanding of underlying neurological mechanisms are crucial.
- Magnetoencephalography (MEG) offers insights into brain activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate magnetoencephalographic (MEG) findings in children with early-onset autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
- To provide further data on the neurophysiological characteristics of ASD in early childhood.
Main Methods:
- Studied 36 children (mean age 7 years) diagnosed with ASD (autistic disorder, Asperger's syndrome, PDD-NOS).
- Utilized 3D MRI, simultaneous MEG-EEG, and magnetic source imaging (MSI).
- Anesthesia was used for non-cooperative patients.
Main Results:
- Most patients showed no EEG abnormalities.
- All ASD children exhibited low-amplitude spikes and acute waves in perisylvian areas.
- Epileptiform spikes were right-hemisphere dominant in Asperger's syndrome, but not lateralized in other autistic patients.
Conclusions:
- MEG frequently documents epileptiform activity in early-onset ASD.
- Subclinical epileptiform activity is common in perisylvian regions of ASD patients.
Objective:
To provide further data around magnetoencephalographic (MEG) findings in early-onset autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Methods:
Thirty-six children (mean age 7 years) diagnosed of PDD (DSM-IV, ICD-10) were studied. There were 22 children with autistic disorder, 9 with Asperger's syndrome, and 5 with pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). According to the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), the autistic disorder was mild to moderate in 11, and severe in 11. Neuroimaging studies using three-dimensional MRI as well as simultaneous MEG-EEG and fusion techniques through magnetic source imaging (MSI) were performed, with the aid of anesthesia in non-cooperative patients.
Results:
Most patients had no EEG abnormalities. All ASD children showed common specific abnormalities in the shape of low amplitude monophasic and biphasic spikes (isolated or short bursts) as well as acute waves, predominantly distributed in the perisylvian areas. In Asperger's syndrome, epileptiform spikes were mostly found in the right hemisphere. No lateralized epileptiform activity was observed in non-Asperger's autistic patients.
Conclusions:
MEG epileptiform activity is frequently documented in children with early-onset ASD.
Significance:
Subclinical epileptiform activity is present especially in the perisylvian regions for many patients with ASD.
