Takeaway
In medial temporal lobe epilepsy, the rolandic operculum (RO) gives rise to oroalimentary automatism (OAA) symptoms.
Functional connectivity between the RO and hippocampus plays a role in producing OAAs.
Why this matters
This study identifies the region likely generating OAAs – involuntary movements of the mouth, tongue and throat resembling eating behaviors prevalent among individuals with medial temporal lobe epilepsy.
Study findings may aid the development of targeted therapies for OAAs.