TMS-induced brain connectivity modulation in Genetic Generalized Epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE

In epilepsy patients, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) may result in the induction and modulation of epileptiform discharges (EDs). We hereby investigate the modulatory effects of TMS on brain connectivity in Genetic Generalized Epilepsy (GGE) and explore their potential as a diagnostic biomarker in GGE.

METHODS

Patients with GGE (n=18) and healthy controls (n=11) were investigated with a paired-pulse TMS-EEG protocol. The brain network was studied at local and at global levels using Coherence as an EEG connectivity measure. Comparison of patients vs controls was performed in a time-resolved manner by analyzing comparatively pre- vs post-TMS brain networks.

RESULTS

There was statistically significant TMS-induced modulation of connectivity at specific frequency bands within groups and difference in TMS-induced modulation between the two groups. The most significant difference between patients and controls related to connectivity modulation in the γ band at 1-3 sec post-TMS (p=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

TMS modulates the healthy and epileptic brain connectivity in different ways. Our results indicate that TMS-EEG connectivity analysis can be a basis for a diagnostic biomarker of GGE.

SIGNIFICANCE

The analysis identifies specific time periods and frequency bands of interest of TMS-induced connectivity modulation and elucidates the effect of TMS on the healthy and epileptic brain connectivity.