Frequency-specific alterations of functional hub in generalized tonic-clonic seizure

Abstract

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has revealed aberrant brain functional networks in individuals with generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS). Little is known, however, about these changes in functional hubs across different frequency bands. In this study, we applied a data-driven method named complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition (CEEMD) to decompose the whole brain BOLD time series into five frequency-specific bands. Then, we compared alterations of frequency-specific functional hub across five different frequency bands in 21 GTCS patients to 22 normal control (NC) subjects. CTCS patients showed aberrant functional hubs predominately at some particular frequency bands and primary in the default mode network (DMN) and the somatomotor network (SMN). Furthermore, we found these hub located in the DMN at a higher frequency band was associated with disease severity. These findings provide an overview of frequency-specific hub, and may be helpful in uncovering abnormal neuronal activity in patients with GTCS at specific frequency bands.