The EEG time series parametrization method in the study of nociception

Abstract

A new method of EEG time series parametrization was proposed. The EEG rhythms were described in terms of frequency, amplitude and damping. These parameters were used in multivariate analysis of variance in order to estimate the group differences in terms of Mahalanobis distances. The rhythm diagrams were constructed and their advantages in comparison with averaged power spectra were discussed. The proposed method overcomes the difficulties connected with the arbitrary division of spectrum into the frequency bands. The usefulness of the method in the study of nociception was tested. The effect of nociceptive stimulation in the four brain structures: sensorimotor cortex, ventro-postero-lateral thalamic nuclei, midbrain reticular formation and periaqueductal gray was investigated. The influence of atropine and mecamylamine administered locally was studied.