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Abstract #1381

Functional connectivity in nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy: an fMRI resting state study

Stefania Evangelisti 1 , Laura Ludovica Gramegna 1 , Claudia Testa 1 , David Neil Manners 1 , Stefano Zanigni 1 , Claudio Bianchini 1 , Francesca Bisulli 2,3 , Laura Licchetta 2 , Ilaria Naldi 2 , Lorenzo Ferri 2 , Paolo Tinuper 2,3 , Caterina Tonon 1 , and Raffaele Lodi 1

1 Functional MR Unit, Policlinico S.Orsola-Malpighi, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy, 2 Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy, 3 IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

Nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (NFLE) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by sleep-related motor events of various semiology, intensity and duration. The pathophysiology of the seizures has not yet been completely elucidated. This study evaluated fMRI resting state functional connectivity in NFLE patients compared to controls. NFLE patients showed greater functional connectivity between precuneus, superior parietal lobe, primary and supplementary motor areas, and thalamus. The thalamus is a structure involved in non-REM spindles and the generation of k-complexes. Our results may suggest an alteration of the arousal regulatory system, with a particular excitability of the cortex during non-REM sleep.

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