Synchronization phenomena in human epileptic brain networks.
Epilepsy is a malfunction of the brain that affects over 50 million people worldwide. Epileptic seizures are usually characterized by an abnormal synchronized firing of neurons involved in the epileptic process. In human epilepsy the exact mechanisms underlying seizure generation are still uncertain as are mechanisms underlying seizure spreading and termination. There is now growing evidence that an improved understanding of the epileptic process can be achieved through the analysis of properties of epileptic brain networks and through the analysis of interactions in such networks. In this overview, we summarize recent methodological developments to assess synchronization phenomena in human epileptic brain networks and present findings obtained from analyses of brain electromagnetic signals recorded in epilepsy patients.
Lehnertz
Klaus
K
Department of Epileptology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, D-53105 Bonn, Germany. klaus.lehnertz@ukb.uni-bonn.de
Bialonski
Stephan
S
Horstmann
Marie-Therese
MT
Krug
Dieter
D
Rothkegel
Alexander
A
Staniek
Matthäus
M
Wagner
Tobias
T
D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000503:physiopathology; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D013997:Time Factors