Comparison of dense array EEG with simultaneous intracranial EEG for interictal spike detection and localization

To evaluate the clinical utility of dense array electroencephalography (dEEG) for the detection yield and localization of interictal spikes in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.

We simultaneously recorded 256-channel dEEG and intracranial electroencephalography (icEEG) implanted over the lateral and mesial temporal lobe in patients with intractable epilepsy. We calculated the dEEG spike detection rate for mesial temporal spikes which were confirmed by icEEG and applied source estimation to dEEG to compare noninvasive localization to the invasive recordings.

339 of 760 interictal spikes (45%) were detected by dEEG examining the 256-channel head surface array. The average icEEG amplitude of dEEG detectable spikes was 1083 μV, and that of dEEG undetectable spikes was 780 μV (P<0.05). All spikes detected in dEEG were localized to the temporal lobe. 295 of 339 spikes (87%) were well localized in mesial temporal lobe, close to the position confirmed by subdural electrodes.

256-channel dEEG may provide more precise information for the localization of interictal epileptiform discharges than conventional EEG or MEG in patients with deep spike foci. 256-channel dEEG may be clinically useful in the presurgical work-up for epilepsy, providing accurate noninvasive guidance for the placement of intracranial electrodes.