A wavelet packet-based algorithm for the extraction of neural rhythms

Neural rhythms are associated with different brain functions and pathological conditions. These rhythms are often clinically relevant for purposes of diagnosis or treatment, though their complex, time-varying features make them difficult to isolate. The wavelet packet transform has proven itself to be versatile and effective with respect to resolving signal features in both time and frequency. We propose a signal analysis technique, called neural rhythm extraction (NRE) that incorporates wavelet packet analysis along with a threshold-based scheme for separating rhythmic neural features from non-rhythmic ones. We applied NRE to rat in vitro intracellular recordings and human scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, and were able to isolate and classify individual neural rhythms in signals containing large amplitude spikes and other artifacts. NRE is capable of discriminating signal features sharing similar time or frequency localization, as well as extracting low-amplitude, low-power rhythms otherwise masked by spectrally dominant signal components. The algorithm allows for independent retention and reconstruction of rhythmic features, which may serve to enhance other analysis techniques such as independent component analysis (ICA), and aid in application-specific tasks such as detection, classification or tracking.