Localizing the Epileptogenic Zone Network Through Epileptogenicity Map

Abstract

Epilepsy is a disorder of central nervous system, where the primary treatment is with medication. Refractory epilepsy, defined as the failure of two antiepileptic pharmacological treatments, affects approximately to quarter of patients, which requires more complex medical procedures, such as resection or surgical ablation of epileptogenic network (ER). This network is very difficult to determine and its determination is not completely resolved, so it requires several studies and new diagnostic techniques for its location. It is importance because its elimination manages to end epileptic seizures. This task requires a multidisciplinary and complementary approach. The purpose of this paper is to present epileptogenicity map (EM) computing, which is applied as a method to determine the network responsible for epileptic seizures and their propagation to the rest of the brain. Methodologically it’s include stages of image acquisition and registration, surface segmentation, SEEG signal acquisition, time-frequency analysis and the obtaining of EM. Due to the complexity for its implementation, is detailed the mapping process in a patient and the results are contrasted with the classical techniques, including the verification of the post-surgical response. The EM as a complementary technique could provide diagnostic information of relevance in the determination of the ER.