Modelling alterations of brain connectivity in idiopathic generalised epilepsy to suggest mechanisms of epileptogenesis

Idiopathic generalised epilepsies (IGE) constitute nearly one-third of all epilepsies and can manifest with typical absences, myoclonic jerks, and generalised tonic-clonic seizures. Diagnosis of idiopathic generalised epilepsy using conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is difficult; patients are often deemed MRI negative. Additionally, the pathophysiological mechanisms of epileptogenesis in IGE are not well understood. In my talk, I will show application of advance neuroimaging analysis in detecting microstructural white-matter abnormalities in patients with IGE along with its diagnostic value. Combining neuroimaging with computational modelling, I will describe how such a framework suggests plausible mechanisms by which a healthy brain may develop epilepsy due to alterations in brain connectivity.