The brain as a complex network: assessment of EEG-based functional connectivity patterns in patients with childhood absence epilepsy.

The human brain is increasingly seen as a dynamic neural system, the function of which relies on a diverse set of connections between brain regions. To assess these complex dynamical interactions, formalism of complex networks was suggested as one of the most promising tools to offer new insight into the brain's structural and functional organization, with a potential also for clinical implications. Irrespective of the brain mapping technique, modern network approaches have revealed fundamental aspects of normal brain-network organization, such as small-world and scale-free patterns, hierarchical modularity, and the presence of hubs.

Predictive value of paroxysmal EEG abnormalities for future epilepsy in focal febrile seizures.

Purpose Of The Study: To reassess the predictive role of clinical parameters and epileptiform paroxysmal EEG abnormalities for subsequent epilepsy in patients with febrile seizures.

Patients And Methods: 179 patients with febrile seizures were included in a prospective study investigating the impact of some clinical parameters and EEG abnormalities that could be important for future epilepsy. EEGs were performed in afebrile patients after hospital discharge.

Adult metachromatic leukodystrophy: a new mutation in the schizophrenia-like phenotype with early neurological signs.

Objectives: The adult type of metachromatic leukodystrophy can manifest itself as motor or as psycho-cognitive form, the latter is very similar to schizophrenia. We report on two sisters with adult metachromatic leukodystrophy who display symptoms of both forms.

Methods: Presented are genotype analyses and 4-year follow-up data regarding clinical manifestations as well as neurocognitive and neuroimaging results for two adult sisters with metachromatic leukodystrophy.

Adult metachromatic leukodystrophy: disorganized schizophrenia-like symptoms and postpartum depression in 2 sisters.

We describe the cases of 2 sisters with adult metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD). Whereas one sister presented with disorganized schizophrenia-like symptoms as the initial manifestation of MLD, the other remained symptom free except for a 4-week period of postpartum depression. In both patients, there was some residual activity of leukocyte arylsulfatase A (1.