Real epileptic positive spikes are extremely rare. They are typically observed in children with congenital brain disorders, acute brain injuries and their chronic stages, and in adults after brain surgery or open-head trauma. In contrast, mimicking positive spikes due to earlobe activation are commonly observed in routine scalp EEGs. An accurate interpretation of each montage is essential for distinguishing between the two. In the present patient, MRI revealed a left frontoparietal convexity meningioma and bilateral amygdala enlargement, necessitating differentiation between real positive spikes and mimicking positive spikes caused by earlobe activation from either lesion. Several montages are useful for interpreting earlobe activation: the earlobe reference montage, which broadly reflects earlobe activity; the transverse bipolar montage, which allows for the evaluation of each earlobe activity individually; and the average reference montage, which helps visualize the point of maximum activity regardless of earlobe activation. Among these, the earlobe reference and average reference montages are particularly useful for distinguishing real positive spikes. In clinical practice, even basic EEG findings may be difficult to interpret due to multiple factors, such as imaging findings; therefore, careful evaluation using multiple montages is essential for accurate interpretation.

Well-being is shaped not only by individuals’ physical and psychological states but also by their interactions with society. This review first outlines empirical and theoretical work on the social dimension of well-being, highlighting the importance of understanding how social factors and individual well-being influence each other in a bidirectional manner. We then argue that hyperscanning, a methodology that simultaneously records brain activity from two or more individuals to examine the neural underpinnings of social interaction, provides a powerful approach for investigating the neural basis behind the social aspects of well-being in particular. Future research directions include elucidating the mechanisms by which social contexts exert emotional influences on individuals, clarifying how “well-being groups” are formed and maintained, and developing research schemes that, in collaboration with other disciplines, can contribute to building a well-being-oriented society.