Stringology-Based Motif Discovery from EEG Signals: an ADHD Case Study

TL;DR

This paper introduces a stringology-based computational framework for analyzing EEG signals to identify recurrent temporal patterns, revealing differences in neural dynamics between ADHD patients and controls.

Contribution

It adapts order-preserving and Cartesian tree matching methods to EEG analysis, providing a novel approach to characterize neural signal dynamics and potential biomarkers for ADHD.

Findings

ADHD group shows higher motif frequencies indicating increased neural repetitiveness.

ADHD exhibits shorter motifs and greater amplitude instability.

Reduced hierarchical complexity in ADHD EEG patterns.

Abstract

We propose a novel computational framework for analyzing electroencephalography (EEG) time series using methods from stringology, the study of efficient algorithms for string processing, to systematically identify and characterize recurrent temporal patterns in neural signals. The primary aim is to introduce quantitative measures to understand neural signal dynamics, with the present findings serving as a proof-of-concept. The framework adapts order-preserving matching (OPM) and Cartesian tree matching (CTM) to detect temporal motifs that preserve relative ordering and hierarchical structure while remaining invariant to amplitude scaling. This approach provides a temporally precise representation of EEG dynamics that complements traditional spectral and global complexity analyses. To evaluate its utility, we applied the framework to multichannel EEG recordings from individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and matched controls using a publicly available dataset. Highly recurrent, group-specific motifs were extracted and quantified using both OPM and CTM. The ADHD group exhibited significantly higher motif frequencies, suggesting increased repetitiveness in neural activity. OPM analysis revealed shorter motif lengths and greater gradient instability in ADHD, reflected in larger mean and maximal inter-sample amplitude changes. CTM analysis further demonstrated reduced hierarchical complexity in ADHD, characterized by shallower tree structures and fewer hierarchical levels despite comparable motif lengths. These findings suggest that ADHD-related EEG alterations involve systematic differences in the structure, stability, and hierarchical organization of recurrent temporal patterns. The proposed stringology-based motif framework provides a complementary computational tool with potential applications for objective biomarker development in neurodevelopmental disorders.