Electroencephalographic Resting-State Functional Connectivity of Benign Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Epilepsy Research
• Brain Connectivity

Background:

• Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) often presents with normal-appearing routine EEG.
• Subtle alterations in resting-state functional connectivity may exist in BECTS patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) in BECTS patients using spike-free EEG data.
• To identify EEG-based connectivity differences not apparent in standard visual inspection.

Main Methods:

• Thirty BECTS patients and 30 controls underwent resting-state EEG recording.
• EEG data were analyzed using the weighted phase lag index (wPLI) across delta, theta, lower alpha, upper alpha, and beta bands.
• Network topology metrics including global wPLI, characteristic path length (CPL), and clustering coefficient were compared.

Main Results:

• BECTS patients exhibited altered RSFC and network topology compared to controls.
• Lower alpha and beta band connectivity showed significantly reduced wPLI values in BECTS.
• Global wPLI was significantly lower and CPL significantly longer in the lower alpha band for BECTS patients.

Conclusions:

• Significant differences in resting-state functional connectivity exist between BECTS patients and controls.
• BECTS is associated with decreased global connectivity and reduced network efficiency in the lower alpha band.