Dense Array EEG & Epilepsy

摘要: Electroencephalographic (EEG) signals derive from the action of neuronal activity in cerebral cortex, through synchronously occurring post-synaptic potentials masses (De Munck et al., 1992). Forming reciprocal combinations interacting excitatory and inhibitory populations, these are believed to be sources macroscopic EEG signal recorded on scalp (Freeman, 1975; Wilson & Cowan, 1973; Lopes da Silva van Leeuwen, 1978). In individuals with epilepsy, seizures emerge ongoing cortical incompletely understood mechanisms, but likely related a wide variety biochemical, anatomic, physiologic, or genetic aberrations (Avanzini Franceschetti, 2003; Bragin 2002; D’Ambrosio 2004; 2005; Nemani Binder, Noebels, Shah Stables White 2002). For over 50 years paroxysmal (“spikes” “sharp waves”) scalp, reflecting abnormal behavior have remained most important laboratory findings clinical evaluation patients epilepsy (Niedermeyer, 1999). However, despite indispensable role EEG, standard assessment has significant limitations. Typically, 16-21 electrodes placed upper portions cranium, under circumstances distances between individual several cm, resulting inadequate spatial resolution, an even poorer basal brain regions. Research frequency spectrum suggests that maximize information human (“spatial Nyquist”), interelectrode surface must within 1.25 mm (Freeman al, 2000), less than 10 2003). As consequence, analysis recordings yields poor often results failure detect pathology, provides only limited insight into extent involved network patterns discharge propagation. It is anticipated when detailed knowledge specific regions activated during epileptiform discharges becomes readily available, such will prove critical understanding nature subject’s improving therapy (Spencer, Major technological advances becoming available change utility scalp-recorded EEG. One capability for rapid application dense array electrodes, technique may also now employed context