Hamandi, K, Singh, K, Terry, J and Ashwin, P (2012) Modelling Cortical Responses in Photosensitive Epilepsy. SARTRE. £32,227 (Cardiff Funding: £19,765)
Summary
The objective of our proposal is to identify candidate mechanisms that underlie altered power-frequency dynamics in magnetoencephalography (MEG) recordings in patients with epilepsy when compared to the general population. The aim is to develop sensitive biomarkers that can make an important contribution in the diagnosis of epilepsy and response to treatments. To achieve this we will use a mathematical model, developed at Exeter University, whose output can be directly compared to data recordings collected at the Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre. By estimating parameters of the model directly from data recordings we can study differences in the underlying mechanisms between patients and controls to explore how disruptions to normal physiology may give rise to the abnormal dynamics associated with epilepsy.
Photosensitivity (PS) is a common trait in a number of epilepsy syndromes. Measuring visual responses with MEG provides a unique opportunity for the non-invasive study of abnormal cortical activity in these patients. These studies can identify localised changes in MEG-recorded oscillatory power fluctuations in response to a task or stimulus. Of particular interest are changes in beta and gamma oscillations (15 – 30 Hz, and 30 – 100 Hz respectively) as measures of excitatory and inhibitory neuronal activity within the cortex.