Functional network topology in drug resistant and well-controlled idiopathic generalized epilepsy: a resting state functional MRI study

• DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab196
• Publication Date: 2021-08-26T14:01:32Z
• Authors: Emily J Pegg; Andrea McKavanagh; R Martyn Bracewell; Yachin Chen; Kumar Das; Christine Denby; Barbara A K Kreil...; Petroula Laiou; Anthony Marson; Rajiv Mohanraj; Jason R Taylor; Simon S Keller
• Keywords: Clustering coefficient; Idiopathic generalized epilepsy

Abstract Despite an increasing number of drug treatment options for people with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE), resistance remains a significant issue and the mechanisms underlying it remain poorly understood. Previous studies have largely focused on potential cellular or genetic explanations resistance. However, is understood to be network disorder there growing body literature suggesting altered topology large-scale resting networks in compared controls. We hypothesize that alterations may also play role seizure control. The aim this study was compare state functional structure between well-controlled IGE (WC-IGE), resistant (DR-IGE) healthy Thirty-three participants (10 WC-IGE 23 DR-IGE) 34 controls were included. Resting MRI constructed using Functional Connectivity Toolbox (CONN). Global graph theoretic measures average node strength (an equivalent measure mean degree fully connected), distribution variance, characteristic path length, clustering coefficient, small-world index betweenness centrality computed. Graphs separately positively weighted connections absolute values. Individual nodal values measured ‘hub nodes’ groups. Outcome assessed across three groups both group as whole had higher strength, length centrality. There no clear differences according metrics sensitive whether negatively correlated included construction. location results suggest that, irrespective control, interictal more regular has global connectivity controls, alteration hub locations. These produce vulnerable transitioning state. It possible lack apparent influence control limited by challenges classifying response. demonstrated topological features are influenced sign weights therefore future methodological work warranted account anticorrelations studies.