Influence of paroxysmal activity on background synchronization in epileptic records

TL;DR

This paper presents a simple method to distinguish true background synchronization from spike contamination in epileptic neurophysiological recordings, aiding in understanding epilepsy mechanisms.

Contribution

It introduces a straightforward procedure to assess the suitability of synchronization methods in epileptic data, helping differentiate genuine background activity from spike artifacts.

Findings

The procedure effectively identifies spike contamination in recordings.

It improves the accuracy of background synchronization analysis.

Facilitates better understanding of epileptiform activity mechanisms.

Abstract

The presence of spikes and sharp waves in the recordings of epileptic patients may contaminate background signal synchronization in different ways. In this Technical Note, we present a simple procedure for assessing whether a particular synchronization method should be used (or not) with data from neurophysiological recordings commonly used to evaluate epilepsy. The information provided by this procedure makes it possible to differentiate true background synchronization from spike synchronization. This issue is particularly relevant when differentiating between the mechanisms underlying the onset of interictal epileptiform discharges and limbic network dynamics.