Non-invasive brain mapping in epilepsy: Applications from magnetoencephalography
Khalid Hamandi1, Bethany C Routley2, Loes Koelewijn2
1The Alan Richens Welsh Epilepsy Centre, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff CF5 6LR, United Kingdom.
Journal of Neuroscience Methods
|December 9, 2015
Summary
Magnetoencephalography (MEG) reveals altered brain network dynamics in epilepsy. Novel analyses highlight widespread network changes in both focal and generalized epilepsies, aiding in surgical evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
- Epileptology
Background:
- Electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) are vital for epilepsy diagnosis and understanding.
- Historically, focus was on localizing epileptic discharge sources.
- Recent advancements explore oscillatory dynamics, connectivity, and network properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of MEG in epilepsy research.
- To highlight novel analysis techniques beyond traditional source localization.
- To discuss the implications of network analysis in epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- Whole-head MEG data analysis.
- Spatial filters and beamformers for source localization.
- Time-frequency analysis for cortical dynamics.
- Graph theory for network connectivity analysis.
Main Results:
- Epilepsy is increasingly viewed as a network disorder.
- Structural and functional imaging reveal network differences in epilepsy patients.
- MEG analyses demonstrate altered cortical dynamics and widespread network alterations in focal and generalized epilepsies.
- Spectral analysis shows distinct cortical response profiles, especially in photosensitive epilepsy.
Conclusions:
- Novel MEG analysis approaches reveal altered cortical dynamics and network alterations in epilepsy.
- Identification of regional network abnormalities can assist in epilepsy surgery evaluation.
- MEG offers advanced insights into the network basis of epilepsy.
