128-channel EEG source imaging in epilepsy: clinical yield and localization precision

J Clin Neurophysiol. 2004 Mar-Apr;21(2):71-83. doi: 10.1097/00004691-200403000-00001.

Abstract

The authors evaluated the feasibility, clinical yield, and localization precision of high-resolution EEG source imaging of interictal epileptic activity. A consecutive series of 44 patients with intractable epilepsy of various causes, who underwent a comprehensive presurgical epilepsy evaluation, were subjected to a 128-channel EEG recording. A standardized source imaging procedure constrained to the individual gray matter was applied to the averaged spikes of each patient. In 32 patients, the presurgical workup identified a focal epileptogenic area. The 128-channel EEG source imaging correctly localized this area in 30 of these patients (93.7%). Imprecise localization was explained by simplifications of the recordings and analysis procedure, which was accepted for the benefit of speed and standardization. In a subgroup of 24 patients who underwent operations, the sublobar precision of the 128-channel EEG source imaging was evaluated by calculating the distance of the source maximum to the resected area. This analysis revealed zero distance in 19 cases (79%). The authors conclude that high-resolution interictal EEG source imaging is a valuable noninvasive functional neuroimaging technique. The speed, ease, flexibility, and low cost of this technique warrant its use in clinical practice.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Algorithms
  • Brain Mapping / instrumentation
  • Brain Mapping / methods*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Electroencephalography / instrumentation
  • Electroencephalography / methods*
  • Epilepsy / diagnosis*
  • Epilepsy / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Treatment Outcome