Time-resolved Resting-state fMRI of Brain States Associated with Drug-resistant Epilepsy
Date
2024-12-02
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Abstract
This thesis presents a novel analytical framework for time-resolved analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data with the aim of elucidating brain patterns of aberrant activity in individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy. Specifically, a dynamic functional connectivity analysis method is first used to determine the temporal dynamics of brain activity, followed by two unsupervised machine learning algorithms, k-means and hierarchical clustering, to identify patterns of activity that define temporarily stable brain states. The limitations of these algorithms are addressed with supportive techniques, leading to an integrated framework that combines dynamic connectivity analysis with machine learning based clustering. The approach is first validated using simulated resting-state fMRI data, comparing two dynamic connectivity analysis methods: sliding-window cross-correlation (SWC) and a newly developed technique. Performance is assessed in terms of successfully detecting state transitions and their timings. The framework is then applied to fMRI data obtained from a small group of individuals with frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) patients as well as control participants, focusing on the somatomotor and default mode networks (DMN); consistent results are obtained across clustering methods. Finally, the analysis is applied to a larger group of individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) who underwent simultaneous resting-state fMRI and intracranial EEG (iEEG), with a focus on the DMN and its interaction with five other major networks. The relationship between the occurrences of iEEG-recorded interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) and occupied brain state is examined to better understand how IED activity impacts brain network activity. The findings of this thesis demonstrate the analytical framework’s potential to enhance the detection and characterization of brain state transitions associated with epilepsy, offering a valuable tool for better identification of seizure foci and improving our understanding of the brain network dynamics associated with drug-resistant epilepsy.
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Keywords
Functional MRI, Brain Networks, Functional Connectivity, Clustering, Epilepsy
Citation
Rashnavadi, T. (2024). Time-resolved resting-state fMRI of brain states associated with drug-resistant epilepsy (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.