EAN 2021 | Differentiating physiologic and epileptic ripples

Andreas Schulze-Bonhage, PhD, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, discusses investigations into the distinction of epileptic from physiologic ripples. Experimental models have shown ripple oscillations to be a promising early marker of epileptic activity. However, differentiating ripples associated with epileptogenesis from physiologic ripples has been a challenge. Research has identified several parameters that can be used in this differentiation, including how physiologic activity influences ripples, if they are coupled with epileptic spikes, and how they compare during ictal and inter ictal phases. More investigation is needed for a strong delineation of normal and epileptic ripples, as a deeper understanding will aid the identification of brain areas associated with epileptogenesis. The growing use of machine learning techniques may expedite research in this area. This interview took place during the European Academy of Neurology 2021 congress.