Frontiers in Network Physiology (Jan 2024)

The time-evolving epileptic brain network: concepts, definitions, accomplishments, perspectives

  • Timo Bröhl,
  • Timo Bröhl,
  • Thorsten Rings,
  • Thorsten Rings,
  • Jan Pukropski,
  • Randi von Wrede,
  • Klaus Lehnertz,
  • Klaus Lehnertz,
  • Klaus Lehnertz

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnetp.2023.1338864
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3

Abstract

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Epilepsy is now considered a network disease that affects the brain across multiple levels of spatial and temporal scales. The paradigm shift from an epileptic focus—a discrete cortical area from which seizures originate—to a widespread epileptic network—spanning lobes and hemispheres—considerably advanced our understanding of epilepsy and continues to influence both research and clinical treatment of this multi-faceted high-impact neurological disorder. The epileptic network, however, is not static but evolves in time which requires novel approaches for an in-depth characterization. In this review, we discuss conceptual basics of network theory and critically examine state-of-the-art recording techniques and analysis tools used to assess and characterize a time-evolving human epileptic brain network. We give an account on current shortcomings and highlight potential developments towards an improved clinical management of epilepsy.

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