Abstract

Abnormal Brain Network in Epilepsy and Associated Comorbidites

Author(s): Huajun Yang, Jiechuan Ren, Qun Wang

Epilepsy has been recognized as a brain network disorder. With the development of techniques investigating structural and functional brain network, current studies provided insights into the physiopathogenesis of the epilepsy, including focal epilepsy and idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Besides, a number of studies have shed light on the effects of epilepsy on other functional networks, which help to explain cognitive impairment and psychiatric disorders comorbid with epilepsy. In this review, we will discuss current studies that provide structural and functional network evidence of epilepsy or its cognitive and psychiatric comorbidities. Clinical features and outcome of epilepsy result from changes in the networks, which are associated with the clinical course of the disease, the presence of complications and the location of the epileptogenic zone. Different network changes and remodeling are closely related to the efficacy of treatment and prognosis of epilepsy. However, knowledge regarding network mechanism in epilepsy remains limited at present. Further validation through novel investigating techniques data analysis methods are required for its reliable application in the clinical management of individual patients.