EEG-fMRI in focal epilepsy: Local activation and regional networks

Abstract

Objective: To identify features of BOLD signal change associated with interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) in a heterogeneous group of focal epilepsy patients. Methods: EEG/fMRI studies in 27 focal epilepsy patients were reviewed with attention given to the extent and location of the IED and the resulting pattern of BOLD signal change. Second order group analysis was used to identify common features. Results: fMRI results provided novel clinical information for individual patients. We identified a significant common node within the ipsilateral piriform cortex as well as patterns involving distant cortical or subcortical areas. Conclusion: Despite the heterogeneity of IEDs in focal epile..