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How does vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) change EEG brain functional connectivity?
Fabrice Bartolomei1, Francesca Bonini1, Elsa Vidal2
1Aix Marseille Université, Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, Marseille, F-13005, France; AP-HM, Hôpital de la Timone, Service de Neurophysiologie Clinique, Marseille, F-13005, France.
Epilepsy Research
|August 8, 2016
Summary
Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) impacts brain connectivity. While VNS increased functional connectivity in most epilepsy patients, one responder showed decreased connectivity, suggesting a link to therapeutic effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Epilepsy Research
- Neuromodulation
Background:
- Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is an established epilepsy treatment.
- Its precise effects on cortical synchronization and functional connectivity (Fc) remain under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of VNS on cortical functional connectivity using direct intracerebral recordings.
- To explore the relationship between VNS-induced Fc changes and therapeutic response in epilepsy patients.
Main Methods:
- Stereotactic electroencephalography (SEEG) recordings were obtained from five epilepsy patients undergoing VNS therapy.
- Nonlinear regression analysis estimated interdependencies between SEEG channels during VNS ON and OFF periods.
Main Results:
- Four out of five patients exhibited increased Fc during VNS ON periods compared to OFF periods.
- One patient (P2) showed decreased Fc, and this decrease correlated with the patient's responder status.
- Graph analysis revealed altered brain region interconnections, with decreased connectivity observed in the responder.
Conclusions:
- VNS significantly alters functional connectivity in the epilepsy brain.
- Decreased functional connectivity during VNS may be a mechanism underlying therapeutic efficacy in epilepsy responders.
