Functional connectivity disturbances of the ascending reticular activating system in temporal lobe epilepsy.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Seizures in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) disturb brain networks and lead to connectivity disturbances. We previously hypothesised that recurrent seizures in TLE may lead to abnormal connections involving subcortical activating structures including the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS), contributing to neocortical dysfunction and neurocognitive impairments. However, no studies of ARAS connectivity have been previously reported in patients with epilepsy.

Methods

We used resting-state functional MRI recordings in 27 patients with TLE (67% right sided) and 27 matched controls to examine functional connectivity (partial correlation) between eight brainstem ARAS structures and 105 cortical/subcortical regions. ARAS nuclei included: cuneiform/subcuneiform, dors

SUBMITTER: Englot DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5634927 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature