EEG-fMRI validation studies in comparison with icEEG: a review

Abstract

Simultaneous EEG-fMRI is a non-invasive investigation technique developed to localize the generators of interictal epileptiform discharges (IED) in patients with epilepsy. Although the value of EEG-fMRI in epilepsy presurgical evaluation is being assessed clinically, its utility is still controversial. In this review, we considered EEG-fMRI applications in epilepsy presurgical evaluation with a focus on validation studies that compared the results of EEG-fMRI with those of the current "gold standard" intracranial EEG (icEEG) in order to assess its utility of seizure focus localization and the possibility for EEG-fMRI to reduce the need for invasive techniques such as icEEG. Since the advances of EEG-fMRI partially rely on the maturation of its data analysis, we also reviewed the methodological developments in EEG-fMRI analysis. It is possible that combining with other neuroimaging modalities such as MEG/MSI and ESI, EEG-fMRI may play a greater role in epilepsy presurgical evaluation.