Relative Source Power: A novel method for localizing epileptiform EEG discharges

Abstract

Objective: To validate relative source power (RSP) imaging of extratemporal interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs).

Methods: The accuracy of RSP was validated in a cohort of patients with extratemporal focal epilepsy and a confined epileptogenic lesion (<19 cm³) using distance to the lesion, concordance with resected area and postoperative outcome. Performance was compared with three conventional methods: voltage maps, equivalent current dipole and a distributed source model.

Results: Thirty-three of 41 consecutive patients (80%) had IED averages suitable for analysis. While the peak negativity in voltage maps localized above the epileptogenic lesion only in 18 cases, RSP-maps matched in 29 cases (88%, p < 0.0026). Source localization showed a median distance of 9.8 mm from the lesion. Source-regions with 20 mm radius included 98% of all source-to-lesion distances. In the 21 surgical cases, outcome showed a sensitivity of 82.35% and specificity of 50% without significant differences between the three source imaging methods.

Conclusions: RSP-maps provide a rapid, intuitive and more accurate source estimation than voltage maps. At sublobar level, RSP localizes with an accuracy similar to conventional methods and results of previous studies.

Significance: The definition of a source region with 20 mm radius helps in guiding further exploration in extratemporal focal epilepsy.

Keywords: EEG mapping; Epilepsy surgery; Extratemporal lesions; Interictal discharge; Source imaging; Source localization.