Combining Clinical Evaluations and Neuroscience Research in the Human Intracranial Electroencephalography Practice: 15-Year Cohort Study.

Abstract

Intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) offers human neuroscientists a unique opportunity to collect brain data simultaneously from hundreds of discrete brain sites with high temporal resolution and anatomical precision at the single subject level. Although the number of iEEG studies keeps surging in the recent neuroscience literature, the practical details of this research platform often remain unclear to those not actively involved. This report offers insights from 15+ years of experience with iEEG practice to add clarity about the realities on the ground at a single medical center in the United States. We provide quantified details about the brain regions that are often covered for recordings, number of electrodes often utilized in each patient, and how neuroscience research is safely integrated with clinical monitoring and patient care. We document a clear shift from electrocorticography with subdural electrodes to stereoelectroencephalography with depth electrodes. We present our clinical results, emphasizing that iEEG offers a unique opportunity to expand our understanding of human brain function and achieve improved seizure control and long-term outcomes for millions of patients currently suffering from medication-resistant epilepsy. This report not only provides critical insights into the practical realities of iEEG research but also serves as a valuable resource for cognitive neuroscientists seeking to leverage this methodology for studying human brain function. By detailing the spatial and temporal characteristics of iEEG recordings, as well as the evolving trends in electrode implantation, this article helps bridge the gap between clinical practice and cognitive neuroscience applications.