Neuroimaging abnormalities in functional/dissociative seizures: a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Functional/dissociative seizures present diagnostic challenges in neurology and psychiatry.
• Existing neuroimaging findings for these seizures are inconsistent across studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze neuroimaging abnormalities in functional/dissociative seizures.
• To investigate structural (cortical thickness) and functional (resting-state functional connectivity) MRI data.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 studies.
• Meta-analysis of cortical thickness from seven structural MRI studies.
• Whole-brain, seed-based resting-state functional connectivity analysis from three functional MRI studies.

Main Results:

• Reduced cortical thickness in the right calcarine fissure/cortex and right precentral gyrus.
• Increased functional connectivity between sensorimotor and ventral attention networks (e.g., left thalamus, left putamen).
• Heightened connectivity within the default mode network and the left insula.

Conclusions:

• Functional/dissociative seizures are associated with structural and functional brain abnormalities.
• These abnormalities involve visual, sensorimotor, default mode, and attentional networks.
• Further research is needed to understand the complex pathophysiology, including clinical features and comorbidities.