Traveling waves reveal a dynamic seizure source in human focal epilepsy

Treatment of patients with drug resistant focal epilepsy relies upon accurate seizure localization. Ictal activity captured in intracranial EEG (iEEG) has traditionally been interpreted to suggest that the underlying cortex is actively involved in seizures. Here, we hypothesize that such activity instead reflects propagated activity from a relatively focal seizure source, even during later time points when ictal activity is more widespread. We use the time differences observed between ictal discharges in adjacent electrodes to estimate the location of the hypothesized focal source. We demonstrate that the seizure source, localized in this manner, closely matches the clinically- and neurophysiologically-determined brain region giving rise to seizures. Moreover, this focal source is a dynamic entity that moves and evolves over the time course of a seizure. Our results offer an interpretation of ictal activity observed in iEEG that challenges the traditional conceptualization of the seizure source.

Dual mechanisms of ictal high frequency oscillations in human rhythmic onset seizures

ABSTRACTHigh frequency oscillations (HFOs) recorded from intracranial electrodes during epileptiform discharges are a proposed biomarker of epileptic brain tissue and may also be useful for seizure forecasting, with mixed results. Despite such potential for HFOs, there is limited investigation into the spatial context of HFOs and their relationship to simultaneously recorded neuronal activity. We sought to further understand the biophysical underpinnings of ictal HFOs using unit recordings in the human neocortex and mesial temporal lobe during rhythmic onset seizures. We compare features of ictal discharges in both the seizure core and penumbra (spatial seizure domains defined by multiunit activity patterns). We report differences in spectral features, unit-local field potential coupling, and information theoretic characteristics of HFOs before and after local seizure invasion. Furthermore, we tie these timing-related differences to spatial domains of seizures, showing that penumbral discharges are widely distributed and less useful for seizure localization.

Dual mechanisms of ictal high frequency oscillations in rhythmic onset seizures

ABSTRACTObjectiveHigh frequency oscillations (HFOs) recorded from intracranial electrodes during epileptiform discharges have been proposed as a biomarker of epileptic brain sites and may also be a useful feature for seizure forecasting, with mixed results. Currently, pathological subclasses of HFOs have been defined primarily by frequency characteristics. Despite this, there has been limited investigation into the spatial context of HFOs with recruitment of local cortex into seizure discharging. We sought to further understand the biophysical underpinnings of ictal HFOs.MethodsHere we examine ictal HFOs from multi-scale electrophysiological recordings during spontaneous human rhythmic onset seizures. We compare features of ictal discharges in both the seizure core and penumbra, as defined by multiunit activity patterns.ResultsWe show marked differences in spectral features, unit coupling, and information theoretic characteristics of HFOs during ictal discharges before and after local seizure invasion. Furthermore, we tie these timing-related differences to different spatial domains of seizures, showing that eccentric, penumbral discharges are widely distributed and less useful for seizure localization, which may explain the variable utility of HFOs in seizure localization and forecasting.InterpretationWe thus identify two distinct classes of ictal HFOs, implying two different mechanisms underlying pathological HFOs with contrasting significance for seizure localization.

An update on pediatric surgical epilepsy: Part II

Background: Recent advances may allow surgical options for pediatric patients with refractory epilepsy not previously deemed surgical candidates. This review outlines major technological developments in the field of pediatric surgical epilepsy. Methods: The literature was comprehensively reviewed and summarized pertaining to stereotactic electroencephalography (sEEG), laser ablation, focused ultrasound (FUS), responsive neurostimulation (RNS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS) in pediatric epilepsy patients. Results: sEEG allows improved seizure localization in patients with widespread, bilateral, or deep-seated epileptic foci. Laser ablation may be used for destruction of deep-seated epileptic foci close to eloquent structures; FUS has a similar potential application. RNS is a palliative option for patients with eloquent, multiple, or broad epileptogenic foci. DBS is another palliative approach in children unsuitable for respective surgery. Conclusion: The landscape of pediatric epilepsy is changing due to improved diagnostic and treatment options for patients with refractory seizures. These interventions may improve seizure outcomes and decrease surgical morbidity, though further research is needed to define the appropriate role for each modality.

Caudate stimulation enhances learning

Neuromodulation offers the possibility of precise alteration of disordered neural circuits. In patients with depth electrodes implanted for seizure localization, Bick et al. show that caudate stimulation improves associative learning and modulates learning-related activity in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Caudate stimulation may be a promising treatment for memory disorders.