How Alpha Rhythm Spatiotemporally Acts Upon the Thalamus-Default Mode Circuit in Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy

Goal: Idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) represents generalized spike-wave discharges (GSWD) and distributed changes in thalamocortical circuit. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the ongoing alpha oscillation acts upon the local temporal dynamics and spatial hyperconnectivity in epilepsy. Methods: We evaluated the spatiotemporal regulation of alpha oscillations in epileptic state based on simultaneous EEG-fMRI recordings in 45 IGE patients. The alpha-BOLD temporal consistency, as well as the effect of alpha power windows on dynamic functional connectivity strength (dFCS) was analyzed. Then, stable synchronization networks during GSWD were constructed, and the spatial covariation with alpha-based network integration was investigated. Results: Increased temporal covariation was demonstrated between alpha power and BOLD fluctuations in thalamus and distributed cortical regions in IGE. High alpha power had inhibition effect on dFCS in healthy controls, while in epilepsy, high alpha windows arose along with the enhancement of dFCS in thalamus, caudate and some default mode network (DMN) regions. Moreover, synchronization networks in GSWD-before, GSWD-onset and GSWD-after stages were constructed, and the connectivity strength in prominent hub nodes (precuneus, thalamus) was associated with the spatially disturbed alpha-based network integration. Conclusion: The results indicated spatiotemporal regulation of alpha in epilepsy by means of the increased power and decreased coherence communication. It provided links between alpha rhythm and the altered temporal dynamics, as well as the hyperconnectivity in thalamus-default mode circuit. Significance: The combination between neural oscillations and epileptic representations may be of clinical importance in terms of seizure prediction and non-invasive interventions.

Automated summary

This study investigated the spatiotemporal regulation of alpha oscillations in 45 IGE patients, showing increased temporal covariation between alpha power and BOLD fluctuations in thalamus and distributed cortical regions in epilepsy. High alpha power enhanced dynamic functional connectivity strength in thalamus, caudate, and some default mode network regions in epilepsy. The findings suggest a link between alpha rhythm and altered temporal dynamics, as well as hyperconnectivity in thalamus-default mode circuit, which may have clinical implications for seizure prediction and interventions.