Spike Voltage Topography

Spike voltage topography or 3-D voltage maps of cortical activity of the interictal spikes is a descriptive way of defining dipole localization and orientation of the interictal spikes. Epileptiform spikes are usually cortex negative, meaning the dipolar currents flow into the cortex; therefore, a focal spike typically produces a dipolar field with two poles, a negative and a positive. Clinical investigations of epileptiform discharges using voltage topography have been ongoing since the early 1990s. Existing studies have suggested spike voltage topography of interictal spikes as a way to improve non-invasive EEG localization in focal epilepsies. This data can complement other localizing data (e.g., visual inspection of EEG and imaging studies). However, the diagnostic yield and value of this technique should be clarified

Keywords:

Spike voltage topography , EEG , Focal epilepsy