Software is available to perform fast Fourier transform analysis to compare spectral intensities of cortical rhythmic activity, and multiple electrode activity mapping of samples of electrocoticographic activity serially monitored for extended periods. To enable this facility to serve multiple users with a reasonably high throughput, we plan to upgrade the existing unit with a second unit equipped with simultaneous video-EEG monitoring capability to allow unattended monitoring for periods ranging up to 24 hours continuously. At present, all monitoring can be done only under visual observation by a technician, which is extremely inefficient. This capability is essential for accurate assessment of seizure and other behaviors that may show diurnal variation, and to correlate behavior with electrographic activity patterns. All recordings are carried out at least 24 hours after surgery on mice moving freely in the test cage.
Photosensitivity is carried out using a sequence protocol based on a programmable strobe unit.
EEG tracings are reviewed for background patterns, photic responses, and the incidence and duration of spontaneous cortical spike discharges or frank seizures. Control recordings are performed in wild type age-matched littermates for genotypic comparisons. In special studies, depth electrodes are implanted into subcortical brain regions using stereotaxic guidance to correlate electrical activity patterns with abnormalities predicted by metabolic mapping or other anatomic gene expression studies.