Structural and functional multilayer network analysis in restless legs syndrome patients.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Systems Neuroscience
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Brain organization is understood through structural and functional connectivity.
• Multilayer network analysis examines complex relationships within systems.
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder affecting movement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate structural and functional multilayer network differences in RLS patients compared to healthy controls.
• To explore how combined connectivity patterns are altered in RLS.
• To identify potential neuroimaging biomarkers for RLS diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) were used.
• Structural and functional connectivity matrices were constructed.
• Multilayer network analysis (BRAPH) was applied to compare RLS patients (n=69) and controls (n=50).

Main Results:

• Significant global differences in multilayer network organization were found between RLS patients and controls.
• Average multiplex participation was lower in RLS patients (0.804) than in controls (0.821).
• Nodal level analysis identified specific regions, notably in the frontal and temporal lobes, with altered multiplex participation in RLS.

Conclusions:

• RLS is associated with distinct alterations in the interplay between structural and functional brain connectivity.
• These findings suggest a more comprehensive understanding of RLS brain network dynamics.
• The identified network changes may aid in developing precise diagnostic tools and treatment efficacy biomarkers for RLS.