Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026

Electrocorticographic Recording of Cerebral Cortex Areas Manipulated Using an Adeno-Associated Virus Targeting Cofilin in Mice
Published on: February 21, 2021
Activation of wicket spikes by REM sleep
A Serafini1, A Crespel2, R Velizarova1
1Explorations neurologiques et épileptologie, hôpital Gui-de-Chauliac, 80, avenue Fliche, 34295 Montpellier cedex 05, France.
Introduction:
Wicket spikes consist of monophasic arciform waveforms seen over the temporal regions, either bilaterally or independently over the two hemispheres. They should not be misinterpreted as epileptic abnormalities. They are usually found during light NREM sleep or drowsiness. In this study, we report an activation of wicket spikes by REM sleep.
Methods:
Two patients underwent 48-hour video-EEG. Their sleep macrostructure was analyzed. The presence of wicket spikes was correlated to each specific sleep stage.
Results:
In one case, wicket spikes appeared exclusively during REM sleep. In another patient, although wicket spikes were present throughout all sleep stages, their frequency was much higher during REM sleep (64% during REM sleep, 22% during light NREM sleep, 14% during drowsiness).
Discussion:
This study highlights that wicket spikes may be present exclusively during REM sleep and that this stage of sleep can activate them. This para-physiological rhythm, when first described, was linked to drowsiness and light NREM sleep. The persistence of wicket spikes during REM sleep has been only recently described and an increase in their frequency during this sleep stage has never been previously observed.
Related Concept Videos
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
RBD is significantly associated with...
Sleep-Wake Cycles
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Stages of Sleep
Before sleep begins, in wakefulness, the brain exhibits primarily beta waves, which are high in frequency and low in amplitude, indicating alertness...
Overview of Synapses
Narcolepsy
Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...

