How Can Animal Models Advance Research into High Frequency Oscillations: Guidelines for Recording, Detection and Analysis

Abstract

High frequency oscillations (HFOs) are being incorporated into the presurgical evaluation of patients with epilepsy and also represent a rapidly evolving field in basic epilepsy research. Animal models have been pivotal in uncovering the mechanisms underlying HFOs and their role in epilepsy. In this review, we provide an overview of HFOs recorded in animal models, highlighting their relevance not only to epilepsy but also to neuropsychiatric and Alzheimer's diseases, suggesting a broader role in brain disorders. Then we explore recent advances, including innovative computational methods for the automated detection and analysis of HFOs. Building on this analysis, we propose guidelines for HFO identification and reporting with translational potential from animal models to humans. Finally, we discuss existing knowledge gaps and outline future directions for research in this rapidly evolving field.