NeuroMorphix: A Novel Brain MRI Asymmetry-specific Feature Construction Approach For Seizure Recurrence Prediction

TL;DR

NeuroMorphix is a new MRI-based feature construction method that improves seizure recurrence prediction accuracy using machine learning, potentially aiding clinical decision-making for epilepsy patients.

Contribution

The paper introduces NeuroMorphix, a novel MRI feature construction approach based on brain asymmetry, enhancing seizure recurrence prediction with high accuracy.

Findings

Achieved AUC of 88-93% in predicting seizure recurrence.

Top features align with known structural epilepsy markers.

High classification accuracy (83-89%) and F1 scores (83-90%).

Abstract

Seizure recurrence is an important concern after an initial unprovoked seizure; without drug treatment, it occurs within 2 years in 40-50% of cases. The decision to treat currently relies on predictors of seizure recurrence risk that are inaccurate, resulting in unnecessary, possibly harmful, treatment in some patients and potentially preventable seizures in others. Because of the link between brain lesions and seizure recurrence, we developed a recurrence prediction tool using machine learning and clinical 3T brain MRI. We developed NeuroMorphix, a feature construction approach based on MRI brain anatomy. Each of seven NeuroMorphix features measures the absolute or relative difference between corresponding regions in each cerebral hemisphere. FreeSurfer was used to segment brain regions and to generate values for morphometric parameters (8 for each cortical region and 5 for each subcortical region). The parameters were then mapped to whole brain NeuroMorphix features, yielding a total of 91 features per subject. Features were generated for a first seizure patient cohort (n = 169) categorised into seizure recurrence and non-recurrence subgroups. State-of-the-art classification algorithms were trained and tested using NeuroMorphix features to predict seizure recurrence. Classification models using the top 5 features, ranked by sequential forward selection, demonstrated excellent performance in predicting seizure recurrence, with area under the ROC curve of 88-93%, accuracy of 83-89%, and F1 score of 83-90%. Highly ranked features aligned with structural alterations known to be associated with epilepsy. This study highlights the potential for targeted, data-driven approaches to aid clinical decision-making in brain disorders.