Breakdown of Thalamo-Cortical Connectivity Precedes Spike Generation in Focal Epilepsies
Electroencephalography (EEG) spikes and focal epileptic seizures are generated in circumscribed cerebral networks that have been insufficiently described. For precise time and spatial domain network characterization, we applied in patients with focal epilepsy dense array 256-channel EEG recordings with causal connectivity estimation by using time-resolved partial directed coherence and 3T-magnetic resonance imaging-derived cortical and thalamus integrity reconstruction. Before spike generation, significant theta and alpha bands driven information flows alterations were noted from both temporal and frontal lobes to the thalamus and from the thalamus to the frontal lobe. Medial dorsal and ven…
Large-scale network architecture and associated structural cortico-subcortical abnormalities in patients with sleep/awake-related seizures.
Study objectives In this study, we aimed to estimate the alterations of brain networks and structural integrity linked to seizure occurrence during sleep and awake states. Methods Using a graph theory approach to magnetic resonance imaging-derived volumes of cortical and subcortical regions, we investigated the topological organization of structural networks in patients with sleep seizures (n = 13), patients with awake seizures (n = 12), and age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n = 10). Abnormalities in regional structural substrates (cortical volume/surface area, subcortical volumes) associated with sleep seizures and awake seizures were further analyzed. Results Brain networks in patien…