Assessing transient cross-frequency coupling in EEG data

J Neurosci Methods. 2008 Mar 15;168(2):494-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2007.10.012. Epub 2007 Oct 30.

Abstract

Synchronization of oscillatory EEG signals across different frequency bands is receiving waxing interest in cognitive neuroscience and neurophysiology, and cross-frequency coupling is being increasingly linked to cognitive and perceptual processes. Several methods exist to examine cross-frequency coupling, although each has its limitations, typically by being flexible only over time or over frequency. Here, a method for assessing transient cross-frequency coupling is presented, which allows one to test for the presence of multiple, dynamic, and flexible cross-frequency coupling structure over both time and frequency. The method is applied to intracranial EEG data, and strong coupling between gamma ( approximately 40-80 Hz) and upper theta ( approximately 7-9 Hz) was observed. This method might have useful applications in uncovering the electrophysiological correlates of cognitive processes.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Algorithms
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Electrodes, Implanted
  • Electroencephalography / statistics & numerical data*
  • Epilepsy / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Perception / physiology
  • Theta Rhythm / statistics & numerical data