Synchronization clusters located on epileptic onset zones in neocortical epilepsy

Abstract Background Brain function is thought to rely on complex interactions of dynamic neural systems, which depend on the integrity of structural and functional networks. Focal epilepsy is considered to result from excessive focal synchronization in the network. Synchronization analysis of multichannel electrocorticography (ECoG) contributes to the understanding of and orientation of epilepsy. The aim of this study was to explore the synchronization in multichannel ECoG recordings from patients with neocortical epilepsy and characterize neural activity inside and outside the onset zone. Methods Four patients with neocortical epilepsy, who became seizure-free for more than 1 year after surgery guided by ECoG monitoring, were included in this study. ECoG data recorded during pre-surgical evaluation were analyzed. Synchronizations in phase and amplitude of different frequency bands between ECoG channels was analyzed using MATLAB. We generated 100 surrogate data from the original ECoG data using Amplitude Adjusted Fourier Transform to calculate the enhanced synchronization. The relationship between synchronization characteristics and seizure onset zone was analyzed. Results We found synchronization clusters in the 14–30 Hz and 30–80 Hz bands around the onset areas during both interictal and the beginning of ictal periods in all four patients. Conclusions The enhanced-synchronization clusters play a central role in epilepsy, and may activate the onset areas and contribute to the spreading of epileptiform activity.