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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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Racial differences in adult-onset MRI-negative temporal lobe epilepsy
Samantha E Allen1, Nita A Limdi2, Ashly C Westrick3
1University of Oregon Health and Science, Department of Neurology, United States of America.
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|October 2, 2019
Summary
Black patients are more likely to have adult-onset temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) with normal MRIs compared to White patients. This suggests a subtype of epilepsy less amenable to surgery, potentially explaining racial disparities in treatment utilization.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epilepsy Research
- Racial Disparities in Health
Background:
- Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) diagnosis rates show significant racial differences.
- Black patients are diagnosed with TLE more frequently than White patients at UAB seizure monitoring unit.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the relationship between race and epidemiology in TLE patients.
- To investigate demographic and MRI findings differences between Black and White TLE patients.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 385 TLE patients admitted to UAB seizure monitoring unit (2000-2011).
- Collection of demographic data and MRI findings.
- Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression used to explore associations.
Main Results:
- Black TLE patients were more likely to be female (OR=1.91), have adult seizure onset (OR=2.39), and normal MRIs (OR=1.69) compared to White TLE patients.
- Adjusted for covariates, these associations remained significant.
Conclusions:
- Black race is associated with adult-onset, MRI-negative TLE.
- This subtype may be less amenable to epilepsy surgery, potentially explaining lower surgical utilization rates in Black populations.
- Findings highlight the need for further validation in diverse cohorts to understand racial disparities in TLE management.
