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Updated: May 8, 2026
A Multimodal Imaging- and Stimulation-based Method of Evaluating Connectivity-related Brain Excitability in Patients with Epilepsy
Published on: November 13, 2016
Altered brain connectivity in patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures: a scalp electroencephalography study
Qing Xue1, Zhen-Yu Wang, Xiu-Chun Xiong
1Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Objective:
To determine the role of altered brain connectivity in patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES).
Methods:
Patients with PNES and age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects were enrolled. Participants underwent neuropsychological evaluation (anxiety, depression and dissociation) and interictal scalp electroencephalography (EEG). A brain network was constructed. Between-group differences in clustering coefficient and global efficiency were analysed.
Results:
Patients with PNES (n = 15) had significantly decreased clustering coefficients in the gamma band compared with controls (n = 15). Difference topology revealed that patients with PNES had decreased long linkage between the frontal region and other regions compared with controls. There were no significant between-group differences in global efficiency. Neuropsychological scores were significantly higher in patients than controls, but there were no correlations with network properties.
Conclusion:
Altered brain connectivity in patients with PNES suggests an underlying pathophysiological mechanism. EEG and network analysis allow noninvasive exploration of the neurological processes of this disease.
