From Alpha to Zeta: A Systematic Review of Zeta Waves

Abstract

Purpose: Electroencephalogram is used for prognostication and diagnosis in critically ill patients and is vital in developing clinical management algorithms. Unique waveforms on EEG may distinguish neurological disorders and define a potential for seizures. To better characterize zeta waves, we sought to define their electroclinical spectrum. Methods: We performed a systematic review using MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Review [through Ovid], Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded and Emerging Sources Citation Index [through the Web of Science], and Epistemonikos. Grey literature resources were searched. Results: Five hundred thirty-seven articles were identified. After excluding duplicates and reviewing titles, abstracts, and bodies and bibliographies of articles, four studies reported 64 cases describing data from patients with zeta waves, with a prevalence of 3 to 4%. Various and often incomplete clinical, neuroimaging, and EEG data were available. 57 patients (89.1%) had a focal cerebral lesion concordant with the location of zeta waves on EEG. 26 patients (40.6%) had clinical seizures, all but one being focal onset. Thirteen patients (20%) had epileptiform activity on EEG. Typically, zeta waves were located in the frontal head regions, often with generalized, frontal, predominant, rhythmic delta activity and associated with focal EEG suppression. Conclusions: Zeta waves frequently represent an underlying focal structural lesion. Their presence suggests a heightened risk for seizures. The small number of retrospective cases series in the literature reporting zeta waves might be an underrepresentation. We suggest a need for prospective studies of cEEG in critically ill patients to determine their clinical significance.