Epileptogenic Network Formation

Epilepsy is characterized by specific alterations in network organization. The main parameters at the basis of epileptogenic network formation are alterations of cortical thickness, development of pathologic hubs, modification of hub distribution, and white matter alterations. The effect is a reinforcement of brain connectivity in both the epileptogenic zone and the propagation zone. Moreover, the epileptogenic network is characterized by some specific neurophysiologic biomarkers that evidence the tendency of the network itself to shift from an interictal state to an ictal one. The recognition of these features is crucial in planning epilepsy surgery.