Clinical Applications of Brain Mapping in Epilepsy

EEG brain mapping is a neurophysiological technique based on computer-assisted analysis of conventional EEG. This technique, generally consisting in quantitative analysis of EEG (QEEG), includes topographic displays of frequency or voltage, statistical comparison to normal values and discriminant analysis. QEEG assessment still remains controversy about its clinical role. QEEG topographic analysis could be useful in many neurological diseases: in cerebrovascular disease EEG analysis is useful since EEG parameters are highly correlates with regional blood and metabolism; in degenerative disease (as dementia or encephalopathies) quantitative EEG frequency analysis could suggest an organic base of the disorder even if it is not able to distinguish between the types of dementia. QEEG techniques are also potentially useful in identifying anomalies in patients with cerebral trauma or in children with cognitive disorders. In the field of epilepsy EEG brain mapping could help clinics to detect spikes, locate an epileptic focus and suggest the type of epilepsy. In this chapter author describes principles of EEG brain mapping and its potential applications in particular in the epileptic field.