High-gamma modulation language mapping with stereo-EEG: A novel analytic approach and diagnostic validation

•An approach for analysis of task-related high-gamma modulation in stereo-EEG using distribution of power differential clusters is described.•Stereo-EEG high-gamma language mapping effectively localized reference neuroanatomy (Neurosynth).•Stereo-EEG high-gamma language mapping also adequately classified electrical stimulation mapping speech/language sites. A novel analytic approach for task-related high-gamma modulation (HGM) in stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) was developed and evaluated for language mapping. SEEG signals, acquired from drug-resistant epilepsy patients during a visual naming task, were analyzed to find clusters of 50–150 Hz power modulations in time–frequency domain. Classifier models to identify electrode contacts within the reference neuroanatomy and electrical stimulation mapping (ESM) speech/language sites were developed and validated. In 21 patients (9 females), aged 4.8–21.2 years, SEEG HGM model predicted electrode locations within Neurosynth language parcels with high diagnostic odds ratio (DOR 10.9, p