Orthonormal (Fourier and Walsh) models of time-varying evoked potentials in neurological injury

The hypothesis that injury-related changes in evoked potential (EP) signals can be modeled by orthonormal basis functions is tested. Two models of time-varying EP signals are evaluated: the Fourier series model (FSM) and the Walsh function model (WFM). The Fourier and Walsh coefficients are estimated with the aid of an adaptive least-mean-squares (LMS) technique. Results from computer simulations illustrate how selection of model order and of the adaptation rate of the estimator affect the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The FSM results in a somewhat higher steady-state SNR than does the WFM; however, the WFM is less computationally complex than is the FSM. These two orthonormal functions are used to evaluate transient response to hypoxic hypoxia in anesthetized cats. Trends of the first five frequencies (Fourier) and sequencies (Walsh) show that the lower frequencies and sequencies may be sensitive indicators of hypoxic neurological injury.