Differences and potential mechanisms of theta oscillation and temporoparietal and temporal-central networks in temporal lobe epilepsy patients with unilateral hippocampal sclerosis

Background There is a lack of further exploration of the epileptogenic network of specific types of epilepsy,such as unilateral hippocampal sclerosis(HS),and there is an urgent need to find exact evidence to confirm the consistency of its brain network changes.Methods We enrolled 22 mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis(mTLE-HS)patients to compare the differences in brain activity between 22 healthy controls(HCs)and them.Resting-state electroencephalography(EEG)was also measured.Then,we calculated the power spectral density and phase locking values in and between these electrodes.Results The results showed the increased theta power was related to the high severity of epilepsy in the temporal,parietal,and central regions in mTLE-HS patients,and there were positive correlations between theta power in the contralateral temporal region and seizure frequency.Theta power in the ipsilateral parietal lobe is positively correlated with the number of anti-seizure medications(ASMs),but not with the usage of third-generation ASMs.Meanwhile,the temporal lobe of mTLE-HS patients had more connectivity with parietal lobe and central region.

Frequency and risk factors of psychological distress among individuals with epilepsy before and during the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in China:an online questionnaire survey

Background The COVID-19 pandemic substantially increases the risk of severe psychological distress among people with epilepsy(PWE),especially those with monthly household income<5000 RMB or with uncontrolled seizures.Patients with Kessler scores>12 should consult a psychiatrist,especially during major disasters.This study was aimed to compare the frequency of psychological distress among Chinese PWE before and during the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant,and to identify risk factors for such distress.Methods In this prospective study,we collected sociodemographic data of PWE aged>14 years,who were treated at our center during December 1 to 15,2022.All participants completed the 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale before the outbreak and again during the outbreak.Health visitors who were unrelated to those patients during the outbreak were included as a control.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors of severe psychological distress and its exacerbation.Results Of the 223 PWE,127 were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2,while 174 of 218 controls were positive for SARS-CoV-2.The neurological symptoms were similar between PWE and controls with SARS-CoV-2.The average Kessler score of PWE was significantly higher during the outbreak than before it(9.93±3.98 vs.8.52±0.23,P<0.001).The average score of controls during the outbreak(5.146±0.35,P<0.001)was significantly lower than that of the PWE.We identified three independent predictors for severe psychological distress in PWE during the outbreak,i.e.,monthly household income<5000 RMB(OR=0.252,95%CI 0.064–0.998,P=0.048),severe psychological distress before the outbreak(OR=0.067,95%CI 0.026–0.174,P<0.001),and seizure onset within 30 days before the assessment during the outbreak(OR=0.356,95%CI 0.157–0.805,P=0.013).Of the three predictors,the last one was also an independent predictor for exacerbation of psychological distress during the outbreak(OR=0.302,95%CI 0.123–0.741,P=0.009).Conclusions Our analysis suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has substantially increased psychological distress of individuals with epilepsy,regardless of the viral infection or not.Various neurological symptoms similar to those of“long COVID”appeared for the first time among these individuals during the Omicron outbreak,highlighting the need for clinicians to screen carefully for this condition.Management of epilepsy during the pandemic or a similar major disaster should focus on the control of seizures and maintenance of mental health,especially among those with monthly household incomes below 5000 RMB,suffering uncontrolled seizures and having a history of severe psychological distress.