Expanding the spectrum of the “texting rhythm” in <scp>EEG</scp>
A 49-year-old male was evaluated with video-electroencephalography for possible epilepsy due to recurrent anxiety with confusion. EEG showed 5–6 Hertz monomorphic, generalized, frontocentral activity during tasks like reading, texting, computer work, and LEGO play (Figure 1). This ceased when relaxed or asleep (Figure 2). Two non-epileptic events were captured, and MRI was normal. Frontal-midline theta rhythms relate to tasks requiring cognitive control.1, 2 Texting rhythm (TR) is a novel pattern defined as reproducible, stimulus-evoked, generalized frontocentral monomorphic 5–6 Hertz activity.3-6 EEG/MEG studies suggest frontal-midline theta originates in the dorsal anterior cingulate and medial prefrontal cortex.1, 2 TR may involve broader networks, including brainstem–thalamic, occipital–parietal, and prefrontal neocortical networks.3, 7 TR-like patterns, seen in knitting, may arise from the same regions and the supplementary motor cortex for motor planning and visuospatial processing,5 possibly also explaining LEGO-related rhythms. TR, a normal finding seen in 24% of adults, should not be misinterpreted as pathologic.3 The authors report no disclosures relevant to the manuscript. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication. The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Data S1. Data S2. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article. Texting rhythm has been reported in approximately what percentage of adults? Which of the following statements is part of the definition of texting rhythm? Fronto-central theta rhythms have been described during: Answers may be found in the supporting information.
Authors
- Ana Suller Martí (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8421-1125)
- Jorge G. Burneo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3644-2826)
- Poornima Narayanan Nambiar (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5272-9712)
- Giovanni Pellegrino (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1195-1421)
Institutions
- Western University (CA)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Epileptic Disorders
- Published
- 2025-08-22
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/epd2.70090
- Primary Topic
- EEG and Brain-Computer Interfaces
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00