Alterations in Neural Networks During Working Memory Encoding Related to Cognitive Impairment in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.

Objective

The aim of the current study was to investigate the alterations in the neural networks of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) during working memory (WM) encoding.

Methods

Patients with TLE (n = 52) and healthy volunteers (n = 35) completed a WM task, during which 34-channel electroencephalogram signals were recorded. The neural networks during WM encoding were calculated in TLE patients with (TLE-WM) and without (TLE-N) WM deficits.

Results

Functional connectivity strength decreased, and the theta network was altered in the TLE-WM group, although no significant differences in clinical features were observed between the TLE-N and TLE-WM groups.

Conclusions

Not all patients with TLE present with cognitive impairments and alterations in the theta network were identified in TLE patients with functional cognitive deficits. Significance: The theta network may represent a sensitive measure of cognitive impairment and could predict cognitive outcomes among patients with TLE.