Our Summary

The researchers used a functional MRI (fMRI) to study the brains of 26 people with epilepsy as they underwent brain stimulation treatment. They wanted to see if brain networks (the “wiring” of the brain) change during this type of treatment. They also wanted to understand if the brain’s tendency to switch between different network configurations decreases after treatment.

People with epilepsy have brains that switch between these configurations more frequently than normal, and the researchers hypothesized that brain stimulation would reduce this switching rate, potentially making the brain behave more like a non-epileptic one.

To test this, they measured how often brain regions changed networks after brain stimulation. They found that after the first round of brain stimulation, the switching rate decreased and the pattern of switching became more consistent. This effect was especially noticeable in the outer layers of the brain and around the areas where the electrodes were placed.

The study concludes that brain stimulation likely affects the large-scale network of the brain. The researchers suggest that this type of network modelling could be useful in assessing how effective brain stimulation treatment is for people with epilepsy.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of the study conducted using functional MRI on people with epilepsy?
  2. How does brain stimulation treatment potentially affect the brain’s network switching rate in epilepsy patients?
  3. How could network modelling be useful in assessing the effectiveness of brain stimulation treatment for epilepsy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about brain surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the medical team, including fasting before the surgery and avoiding certain medications. It is also important to have a support system in place for post-operative care and rehabilitation, as recovery from brain surgery can be a lengthy process. Additionally, it is important to communicate openly with your medical team about any concerns or questions you may have before, during, and after the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for brain surgery include those with epilepsy who have not responded to other treatments, such as medications or other forms of therapy. Brain surgery may also be recommended for patients with brain tumors, traumatic brain injuries, vascular malformations, or movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, patients with certain neurological conditions, such as trigeminal neuralgia or obsessive-compulsive disorder, may also be candidates for brain surgery. Overall, brain surgery is typically recommended for patients with conditions that are not effectively managed by other treatment options and where surgical intervention is deemed necessary to improve or maintain quality of life.

Timeline

Before brain surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as MRI, CT scans, and EEG to identify the issue in the brain.
  2. Patient consults with neurosurgeon to discuss the surgery, risks, and benefits.
  3. Patient may undergo pre-surgical evaluations and tests to ensure they are a good candidate for surgery.
  4. Surgery date is scheduled, and patient prepares by following pre-operative instructions from the medical team.

After brain surgery:

  1. Patient wakes up in the recovery room and may experience pain, discomfort, and confusion.
  2. Patient is closely monitored by medical staff for any complications or side effects.
  3. Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days to recover and receive post-operative care.
  4. Patient may undergo rehabilitation therapy to regain strength, mobility, and cognitive function.
  5. Patient follows post-operative instructions from the medical team, which may include medication, follow-up appointments, and lifestyle changes.
  6. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and monitors their recovery progress with regular check-ups.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of brain surgery is being recommended for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this type of brain surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of this type of brain surgery for patients with my condition?
  4. How long is the recovery period expected to be after the brain surgery?
  5. Will I need to undergo any additional treatments or therapies after the brain surgery?
  6. How will the brain surgery impact my daily life, including activities such as work, exercise, and driving?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with brain surgery?
  8. What is the long-term outlook for my condition following the brain surgery?
  9. How often will I need to follow up with my doctor after the brain surgery?
  10. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before and after the brain surgery?

Reference

Authors: Pedersen M, Zalesky A. Journal: Neurobiol Dis. 2021 Aug;156:105401. doi: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105401. Epub 2021 May 21. PMID: 34023395