Sub-scalp electroencephalography: A next-generation technique to study human neurophysiology

Sub-scalp electroencephalography (ssEEG) is emerging as a promising technology in ultra-long-term electroencephalography (EEG) recordings. Given the diversity of devices available in this nascent field, uncertainty persists about its utility in epilepsy evaluation. This review critically dissects the many proposed utilities of ssEEG devices including (1) seizure quantification, (2) seizure characterization, (3) seizure lateralization, (4) seizure localization, (5) seizure alarms, (6) seizure forecasting, (7) biomarker discovery, (8) sleep medicine, and (9) responsive stimulation. The different ssEEG devices in development have individual design philosophies with unique strengths and limitations. There are devices offering primarily unilateral recordings (24/7 EEG (TM) SubQ, Neuroview (TM), Soenia (R) UltimateEEG (TM)), bilateral recordings (Minder (TM), Epios (TM)), and even those with responsive stimulation capability (EASEE (R)). We synthesize the current knowledge of these ssEEG systems. We review the (1) ssEEG devices, (2) use case scenarios, (3) challenges and (4) suggest a roadmap for ideal ssEEG designs. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology.

Automated summary

Sub-scalp electroencephalography (ssEEG) is a promising technology for ultra-long-term EEG recordings. This review examines the potential utility of ssEEG devices in epilepsy evaluation, including seizure quantification, characterization, localization, alarms, forecasting, biomarker discovery, sleep medicine, and responsive stimulation. The review also discusses the different ssEEG devices in development and suggests a roadmap for ideal ssEEG designs.