The Default Mode Network and Altered Consciousness in Epilepsy
2011
The Default Mode Network and Consciousness in Epilepsy
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Danielson Nathan B., Guo Jennifer N., Blumenfeld Hal
Primary Institution: Yale University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
The loss of consciousness during seizures is due to active inhibition of subcortical arousal systems that normally maintain default mode network activity.
Conclusion
Decreased activity in the default mode network is confirmed during various types of seizures, suggesting a network inhibition hypothesis.
Supporting Evidence
- Specific brain regions are activated during rest and deactivated during tasks.
- The default mode network is impaired during seizures with loss of consciousness.
- Decreased activity in the default mode network has been confirmed during complex partial, generalized tonic-clonic, and absence seizures.
Takeaway
When people have seizures, parts of their brain that help them think and be aware can shut down, making them lose consciousness.
Methodology
The study used neuroimaging and electrophysiological modalities to assess brain activity during seizures.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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