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Multi-electrode Array Recordings of Human Epileptic Postoperative Cortical Tissue
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Microelectrode recordings in human epilepsy: a case for clinical translation
Aswin Chari1,2, Rachel C Thornton3, Martin M Tisdall1,2
1Developmental Neurosciences, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
Brain Communications
|September 21, 2020
Summary
Single-unit recordings in epilepsy patients reveal insights into brain function and disease mechanisms. This review explores 65 years of microelectrode data, discussing potential clinical applications for neuronal firing analysis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Epilepsy Research
- Clinical Electrophysiology
Background:
- Single neurons (units) are fundamental computational units of the brain, with neuronal firing crucial for understanding microcircuits and brain function.
- While animal studies extensively explore neuronal firing, there's growing recognition of its value in understanding system-level disease mechanisms.
- Microelectrode recordings, capturing single-unit data, local field potentials, and high-frequency oscillations, are increasingly used in human epilepsy presurgical evaluations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review 65 years of microelectrode recordings in human epilepsy patients.
- To summarize electrode constructs, recording/processing principles, and insights into ictal/interictal dynamics and cognition.
- To critique the potential for incorporating single-unit recordings into routine clinical care.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature and data from 65 years of microelectrode recordings in human epilepsy patients.
- Analysis of electrode constructs, data acquisition, and signal processing techniques.
- Examination of insights gained into epilepsy dynamics and cognitive functions.
Main Results:
- Microelectrode recordings provide detailed insights into neuronal activity during seizures (ictal) and between seizures (interictal), as well as cognitive processes.
- Data highlights differences between microelectrode recordings and traditional clinical macroelectrodes.
- Current use of microelectrodes is primarily in research, with limited clinical integration.
Conclusions:
- Single-unit recordings offer valuable data for understanding brain function and disease, particularly in epilepsy.
- Further research is needed to establish clear clinical indications and address challenges for integrating microelectrode recordings into routine care.
- The potential exists for microelectrode recordings to enhance presurgical evaluation and treatment strategies in focal epilepsy.
Keywords:
extracellular action potentialmicroelectrodesingle unitsstereoelectroencephalographysubdural grid
