Transitional REM Sleep Brain Connectomes and Seizure Susceptibility

Seizures are rare while dreaming in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. New research, however, suggests seizures may rebound during unstable REM sleep. This may be due to brain wiring (connectivity) since a highly connected brain is more prone to seizures, and connectivity changes from wakefulness to sleep. Brainwave tracings (EEG) can generate connectivity maps (connectomes) but adequate connectome resolution requires many EEG electrodes (high density EEG). This study uses high density EEG to examine brain connectomes and seizure susceptibility in unstable REM sleep. Findings will contribute to developing novel therapies to one day allow patients to safely dream seizures away.

Faculty Supervisor:

Marcus Ng

Student:

Samaneh Baghbani

Partner:

Epilepsy and Seizure Association of Manitoba

Discipline:

Medicine

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

University of Manitoba