A decision support framework for the discrimination of children with controlled epilepsy based on EEG analysis

Autor: Fabri Simon G, Camilleri Kenneth P, Micheloyannis Sifis, Bigan Cristin, Giurcaneanu Ciprian D, Zervakis Michalis, Cassar Tracey, Sakkalis Vangelis, Karakonstantaki Eleni, Michalopoulos Kostas
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2010
Předmět:
Zdroj: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, Vol 7, Iss 1, p 24 (2010)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 1743-0003
DOI: 10.1186/1743-0003-7-24
Popis: Abstract Background In this work we consider hidden signs (biomarkers) in ongoing EEG activity expressing epileptic tendency, for otherwise normal brain operation. More specifically, this study considers children with controlled epilepsy where only a few seizures without complications were noted before starting medication and who showed no clinical or electrophysiological signs of brain dysfunction. We compare EEG recordings from controlled epileptic children with age-matched control children under two different operations, an eyes closed rest condition and a mathematical task. The aim of this study is to develop reliable techniques for the extraction of biomarkers from EEG that indicate the presence of minor neurophysiological signs in cases where no clinical or significant EEG abnormalities are observed. Methods We compare two different approaches for localizing activity differences and retrieving relevant information for classifying the two groups. The first approach focuses on power spectrum analysis whereas the second approach analyzes the functional coupling of cortical assemblies using linear synchronization techniques. Results Differences could be detected during the control (rest) task, but not on the more demanding mathematical task. The spectral markers provide better diagnostic ability than their synchronization counterparts, even though a combination (or fusion) of both is needed for efficient classification of subjects. Conclusions Based on these differences, the study proposes concrete biomarkers that can be used in a decision support system for clinical validation. Fusion of selected biomarkers in the Theta and Alpha bands resulted in an increase of the classification score up to 80% during the rest condition. No significant discrimination was achieved during the performance of a mathematical subtraction task.
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