Network Physiology is a multidisciplinary field dedicated to uncovering the complexity of organ system interactions with the aim to elucidate physiological states and functions in health and disease. Identifying and characterizing dynamic brain and multi-system interactions may improve our understanding of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) and guide the refinement of neuro-modulatory therapeutic strategies (deep brain, vagal nerve and responsive neuro-stimulation). Topic related manuscripts should explicitly utilize or expand perspectives and methodologies of Network Physiology. Emphasis should be placed on network-based mechanisms central to brain-brain interactions as well as multi-systems interactions in the context of epilepsy, epilepsy management and SUDEP.

Epilepsy affects over 65 million people worldwide and associated with Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) in 1 out of 1000 cases. The physiological basis of SUDEP is unknown but evolving concepts of multi-organ (brain, heart, lung) and system (CNS/ANS, cardiopulmonary) network interactions may elucidate relevant mechanisms. In addition to clarifying the etiology of SUDEP, system interaction dynamics may expand our understanding of other comorbidities of epilepsy including cognitive impairment, sleep disorders and psychiatric disease.

Existing neuromodulatory therapies (deep brain stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, and responsive neurostimulation) are currently utilized to treat epilepsy, movement disorders including Parkinson’s Disease and psychiatric disease (depression). How these therapies influence physiological networks in beneficial ways is largely unknown. Data-driven investigations utilizing network physiology concepts may improve our understanding of epileptogenicity, the effects of epilepsy and motivate new and refined neuromodulatory methods.

This article collection will refresh previous concepts, bring on novel concepts and methodologies derived from dynamic and adaptive networks, and invigorate future research.

This Research Topic accepts original research, case reports and review manuscripts.

Topic Editor Myriam Abdennadher is conducting research about EEG and neuroimaging markers of medication resistant epilepsy and risk for seizures in Alzheimer's disease supported by internal funding at Boston University. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.

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Multi-system physiological networks in epilepsy and SUDEP