Institution: | 1. University of Debrecen, Kenézy Gyula University Hospital, Department of Neurology, Bartók Béla út 3., 4031 Debrecen, Hungary;2. University of Debrecen, Department of Medical Imaging, Nagyerdei krt. 98., 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;3. University of Debrecen, Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Móricz Zsigmond krt. 22., 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;1. Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Bay of Plenty District Health Board, Tauranga Hospital, Tauranga, New Zealand;2. Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand;1. Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Italy;2. Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan Hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy;3. Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council, Catanzaro, Italy;4. Department of Neurophysiology and Diagnostic Epileptology, Foundation IRCCS Neurological Institute Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy |
Abstract: | ObjectiveAim of the study was to explore the inter-ictal, resting-state EEG network in patients with focal epilepsy (FE) and to specify clinical factors that influence network activity.MethodsFunctional EEG connectivity (EEGfC) differences were computed between 232 FE patients (FE group) and 77 healthy controls. EEGfC was computed among 23 cortical regions within each hemisphere, for 25 very narrow bands from 1 to 25 Hz. We computed independent effects for six clinical factors on EEGfC in the FE group, by ANOVA and post-hoc t-statistics, corrected for multiple comparisons by false discovery rate method.ResultsRobust, statistically significant EEGfC differences emerged between the FE and the healthy control groups. Etiology, seizure type, duration of the illness and antiepileptic treatment were independent factors that influenced EEGfC. Statistically significant results occurred selectively in one or a few very narrow bands and outlined networks. Most abnormal EEGfC findings occurred at frequencies that mediate integrative and motor activities.ConclusionsFE patients have abnormal resting-state EEGfC network activity. Clinical factors significantly modify EEGfC.SignificanceDelineation of the FE network and modifying factors can open the way for targeted investigations and introduction of EEGfC into epilepsy research and practice. |