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Network Analysis of the Default Mode Network Using Functional Connectivity MRI in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Published on: August 5, 2014
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Disrupted Ipsilateral Network Connectivity in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.
Lorena Vega-Zelaya1, Jesús Pastor1, Rafael G de Sola2
1Clinical Neurophysiology, Hospital Universitario la Princesa, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain.
Plos One
|October 22, 2015
Summary
In temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients, seizures involve increased global brain network synchronization and more ordered signal patterns. This study analyzed functional connectivity changes during the preictal-ictal transition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Epilepsy Research
- Network Science
Background:
- Current epilepsy surgery relies on identifying the epileptogenic zone.
- A deeper understanding of epileptic networks is crucial for developing better therapies.
- Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a common form of refractory epilepsy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the evolution of functional brain networks during the preictal-ictal transition in TLE patients.
- To investigate changes in network properties before and during seizures.
- To compare linear and non-linear measures of functional connectivity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of scalp and foramen ovale EEG recordings from 22 TLE patients.
- Application of complex network analysis (density, path length, clustering, modularity).
- Use of linear (Pearson correlation) and non-linear (phase synchronization) connectivity measures.
- Comparison with spectral entropy (SE) as a measure of signal complexity.
Main Results:
- Increased link density and decreased average path length observed during seizures in most patients (linear analysis).
- Significant preictal-ictal imbalance in functional connectivity found.
- Spectral entropy decreased during seizures, indicating more ordered brain activity.
- Non-linear phase synchronization measures yielded similar results to linear methods.
Conclusions:
- Seizure onset in TLE is associated with increased global brain network synchronization.
- Brain signals become more ordered (lower spectral entropy) during seizures.
- Interictal connectivity imbalances persist during seizures, independent of mesial spectral entropy changes.
