High frequency spectral components after Secobarbital: The contribution of muscular origin—A study with MEG/EEG

SummaryObjectivesPreviously we found that benzodiazepines not only provoke beta-activity in the EEG, but also higher frequency activity. Knowing the origin of this high frequency activity is crucial if localisation of epileptogenic brain tissue is the query. We attempt to differentiate cerebral from muscular origin of such activity.MethodsWe postulate that EEG and MEG have similar sensitivity to brain activity, but different sensitivity to muscle activity, and compare co-recorded EEG and MEG signals in a group of five patients who had received short-lasting barbiturates to induce sleep. We performed principal components analysis over time and subtract the results for MEG from the EEG to see where the frequency spectra differ.ResultsThe EEG showed activity in the gamma bands up to 270 Hz for all patients; the MEG significantly less. We find no differences in the lower frequency bands. Topographically the differences localized over the frontotemporal regions.ConclusionsIn the EEG benzodiazepines and/or barbiturates are not only associated with frequencies in the beta band, but also with wide range gamma activity. The latter seems to be of muscular origin.SignificanceOur study suggests that gamma activity in such measurements may not be cerebral in origin. MEG is less susceptible to contamination from muscle activity than the EEG.

► High-frequency activity (wide range gamma) in the surface EEG after administration of benzodiazepines is not of cerebral origin.
► MEG is significantly less susceptible to muscle activity artifacts than surface EEG recording.
► The combination of MEG and EEG help discern cerebral activity from extra-cerebral (muscle) activity.