Abstract
There is growing evidence that brain networks are altered in epileptic subjects. In this study, we investigated the functional connectivity and brain network properties of benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes using graph theory. Benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes is the most common form of idiopathic epilepsy in young children under the age of 16 years. High-density EEG data were recorded from patients and controls in resting state with eyes closed. Data were preprocessed and spike and spike-free segments were selected for analysis. Phase locking value was calculated for all paired combinations of channels and for five frequency bands (δ, θ, α, β1 and β2). We computed the degree and small-world parameters—clustering coefficient (C) and path length (L)—and compared the two patient conditions to controls. A higher degree at epileptic zones during interictal epileptic spikes (IES) was observed in all frequency bands. Both patient conditions reduced connection at the occipital and right frontal regions close to the epileptic zone in the α band. The “small-world” features (high C and short L) were deviated in patients compared to controls. A changed from an ordered network in the δ band to a more randomly organized network in the α band was observed in patients compared to healthy controls. These findings show that the benign epileptic brain network is disrupted not only at the epileptic zone, but also in other brain regions especially frontal regions.
Highlights
Benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BCECTS) is the most common childhood epilepsy syndrome, usually affecting the children under the age of 16 years [1,2]
We investigated changes in brain functional connectivity in BCECTS patients compared to healthy controls in various frequency bands using high-density resting EEG data under the eyes-closed condition
There is little evidence to suggest that BCECTS is associated with structural brain abnormalities [40], we found strong frequency-dependent changes in the degree as a measure of centrality or information coordination implying disrupted functional connectivity in the epileptic zone in BCECTS patients
Summary
Benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BCECTS) is the most common childhood epilepsy syndrome, usually affecting the children under the age of 16 years [1,2]. Several studies have demonstrated different cognitive impairments [3] including frontal dysfunction [4] in patients with benign epilepsy with no evidence of large structural changes compared to other forms of epilepsy [5,6]. All forms of epilepsy are associated with abnormal brain activity and impaired neural processing as a result of unstable brain dynamics and PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0139228. All forms of epilepsy are associated with abnormal brain activity and impaired neural processing as a result of unstable brain dynamics and PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0139228 October 2, 2015
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