Temporal lobe epilepsy: A never-ending story

The role of the thalamus in modular functional networks in temporal lobe epilepsy with cognitive impairment

OBJECTIVE

Cognitive deficit is common in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Here, we aimed to investigate the modular architecture of functional networks associated with distinct cognitive states in TLE patients together with the role of the thalamus in modular networks.

METHODS

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans were acquired from 53 TLE patients and 37 matched healthy controls. All patients received the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test and accordingly were divided into TLE patients with normal cognition (TLE-CN, n = 35) and TLE patients with cognitive impairment (TLE-CI, n = 18) groups. The modular properties of functional networks were calculated and compared including global modularity Q, modular segregation index, intramodular connections, and intermodular connections. Thalamic subdivisions corresponding to the modular networks were generated by applying a 'winner-take-all' strategy before analyzing the modular properties (participation coefficient and within-module degree z-score) of each thalamic subdivision to assess the contribution of the thalamus to modular functional networks. Relationships between network properties and cognitive performance were then further explored.

RESULTS

Both TLE-CN and TLE-CI patients showed lower global modularity, as well as lower modular segregation index values for the ventral attention network and the default mode network. However, different patterns of intramodular and intermodular connections existed for different cognitive states. In addition, both TLE-CN and TLE-CI patients exhibited anomalous modular properties of functional thalamic subdivisions, with TLE-CI patients presenting a broader range of abnormalities. Cognitive performance in TLE-CI patients was not related to the modular properties of functional network but rather to the modular properties of functional thalamic subdivisions.

CONCLUSIONS

The thalamus plays a prominent role in modular networks and potentially represents a key neural mechanism underlying cognitive impairment in TLE.

Profiles of resting state functional connectivity in temporal lobe epilepsy associated with post-laser interstitial thermal therapy seizure outcomes and semiologies

Introduction

It is now understood that in focal epilepsy, impacted neural regions are not limited to the epileptogenic zone. As such, further investigation into the underlying functional connectivity (FC) patterns in those enduring Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) with Mesial Temporal Sclerosis (MTS) is imperative to understanding the intricacies of the disease.

Methods

The rsfMRIs of 17 healthy participants, 10 left-sided TLE-MTS patients with a pre-operative history of focal impaired awareness seizures (FIA), and 13 left-sided TLE-MTS patients with a pre-operative history of focal aware seizures (FA) were compared to determine the existence of distinct FC patterns with respect to seizure types. Similarly, the rsfMRIs of the above-mentioned healthy participants, 16 left-sided TLE-MTS individuals who were seizure-free (SF) 12 months postoperatively, and 16 left-sided TLE-MTS persons without seizure freedom (nSF) were interrogated. The ROI-to-ROI connectivity analysis included a total of 175 regions of interest (ROIs) and accounted for both age and duration of epileptic activity. Significant correlations were determined via two-sample t-tests and Bonferroni correction (α = 0.05).

Results

Comparisons of FA and FIA groups depicted significant correlations between the contralateral anterior cingulate gyrus, subgenual region, and the contralateral cerebellum, lobule III (p-value = 2.26e-4, mean z-score = -0.05 ± 0.28, T = -4.23). Comparisons of SF with nSF depicted two significantly paired-ROIs; the contralateral amygdala and the contralateral precuneus (p-value = 2.9e-5, mean z-score = -0.12 ± 0.19, T = 4.98), as well as the contralateral locus coeruleus and the ipsilateral intralaminar nucleus (p-value= 1.37e-4, mean z-score = 0.06 ± 0.17, T = -4.41).

Significance

FC analysis proves to be a lucrative modality for exploring unique signatures with respect to seizure types and postoperative outcomes. By furthering our understanding of the differences between epileptic phenotypes, we can achieve improvement in future treatment modalities not limited to targeting advancements.

Classification of temporal lobe epilepsy based on neuropsychological tests and exploration of its underlying neurobiology

Objective

To assist improving long-term postoperative seizure-free rate, we aimed to use machine learning algorithms based on neuropsychological data to differentiate temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) from extratemporal lobe epilepsy (extraTLE), as well as explore the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neuropsychological tests.

Methods

Twenty-three patients with TLE and 23 patients with extraTLE underwent neuropsychological tests and MRI scans before surgery. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator were firstly employed for feature selection, and a machine learning approach with neuropsychological tests was employed to classify TLE using leave-one-out cross-validation. A generalized linear model was used to analyze the relationship between brain alterations and neuropsychological tests.

Results

We found that logistic regression with the selected neuropsychological tests generated classification accuracies of 87.0%, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.89. Three neuropsychological tests were acquired as significant neuropsychological signatures for the diagnosis of TLE. We also found that the Right-Left Orientation Test difference was related to the superior temporal and the banks of the superior temporal sulcus (bankssts). The Conditional Association Learning Test (CALT) was associated with the cortical thickness difference in the lateral orbitofrontal area between the two groups, and the Component Verbal Fluency Test was associated with the cortical thickness difference in the lateral occipital cortex between the two groups.

Conclusion

These results showed that machine learning-based classification with the selected neuropsychological data can successfully classify TLE with high accuracy compared to previous studies, which could provide kind of warning sign for surgery candidate of TLE patients. In addition, understanding the mechanism of cognitive behavior by neuroimaging information could assist doctors in the presurgical evaluation of TLE.

Resting state network dynamic reconfiguration and neuropsychological functioning in temporal lobe epilepsy: An HD-EEG investigation

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is nowadays considered a network disorder impacting several cognitive domains. In this work we investigated dynamic network reconfiguration differences in patients with unilateral TLE compared to a healthy control group, focusing on two connectivity indices: flexibility and integration. We apply these indices for the first time to high-density EEG source-based functional connectivity. We observed that patients with TLE exhibited significantly lower flexibility than healthy controls in the Control, Default Mode and Attentive Dorsal networks, expressed in the delta, theta and alpha bands. In addition, patients with TLE displayed greater integration values across the majority of the resting state networks, especially in the delta, theta and gamma bands. Relevantly, a higher integration index in the Control, Attentive Dorsal and Visual networks in the delta band was correlated with lower performance in visual attention and executive functions. Moreover, a greater integration index in the gamma band of the Control, Somatomotor and Temporoparietal networks was related to lower long-term memory performance. These results suggest that patients with TLE display dysregulated network reconfiguration, with lower flexibility in the brain areas related to cognitive control and attention, together with excessive inter-network communication (integration index). Finally, the correlation between network integration and the reduced cognitive performance suggests a potential mechanism underlying specific alterations in neuropsychological profile of patients with TLE.

Seizure semiology: ILAE glossary of terms and their significance

This educational topical review and Task Force report aims to address learning objectives of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) curriculum. We sought to extract detailed features involving semiology from video recordings and interpret semiological signs and symptoms that reflect the likely localization for focal seizures in patients with epilepsy. This glossary was developed by a working group of the ILAE Commission on Diagnostic Methods incorporating the EEG Task Force. This paper identifies commonly used terms to describe seizure semiology, provides definitions, signs and symptoms, and summarizes their clinical value in localizing and lateralizing focal seizures based on consensus in the published literature. Video-EEG examples are included to illustrate important features of semiology in patients with epilepsy.

Development of a Pediatric Epilepsy Program: Analysis of Early Multidimensional Outcomes

Background A Pediatric Epilepsy Program was instituted in Manitoba in 2016. This report seeks to describe changes in the management of pediatric epilepsy patients in Manitoba since the inception of this Program, to provide an early analysis of local outcomes, and to present a framework for further program development.

Methods Data was collected for patients treated both before and after inception of the Program. Caregivers completed questionnaires on quality of life and program satisfaction. An online database was created to capture demographic information, seizure and quality of life outcomes, and caregiver satisfaction ratings. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the results.

Results Prior to commencement of the Program, 16 patients underwent vagal nerve stimulator (VNS) insertion. At last follow-up, 6.25% of patients achieved Engel class I outcome, 75% achieved class III outcome, and 18.75% were classified as class IV. Following inception of the Program, 11 patients underwent resective procedures and 3 underwent VNS insertions. At last follow-up, 78.6% of patients achieved Engel class I outcome, 14.3% achieved class III outcome, and 7.1% were classified as class IV. Since inception of the Program, the average Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire-55 score measuring patient quality of life was (59.7 ± 23.2)/100. The average Care-Related Quality of Life-7D score measuring caregiver quality of life was (78.3 ± 18.6)/100. Caregiver satisfaction had an average rating of (9.4 ± 0.8)/10.

Conclusion Access to epilepsy surgery has significantly improved for children in Manitoba and has led to favorable, early multidimensional outcomes. Structural organization, funding, and multidisciplinary engagement are necessary for program sustainability and growth.

Epilepsy With Auditory Features: From Etiology to Treatment

Epilepsy with auditory features (EAF) is a focal epilepsy belonging to the focal epileptic syndromes with onset at variable age according to the new ILAE Classification. It is characterized by seizures with auditory aura or receptive aphasia suggesting a lateral temporal lobe involvement of the epileptic discharge. Etiological factors underlying EAF are largely unknown. In the familial cases with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance several genes have been involved, among which the first discovered, LGI1, was thought to be predominant. However, increasing evidence now points to a multifactorial etiology, as familial and sporadic EAF share a virtually identical electro-clinical characterization and only a few have a documented genetic etiology. Patients with EAF usually have an unremarkable neurological examination and a good response to antiseizure medications. However, it must be underscored that total remission might be lower than expected and that treatment withdrawal might lead to relapses. Thus, a proper understanding of this condition is in order for better patient treatment and counseling. Further studies are still required to further characterize the many facets of EAF.