Methods and systems for detecting neurological events and approximating a target detection rate are disclosed. A target detection rate may be identified for the neurological event. Electrographic signals incident on a neurological event detector may be monitored. Each signal may be compared to a threshold value for a parameter. As the threshold value varies, it has a predictable effect on a detection rate of the neurological event. A rate at which the electrographic signals exceed the threshold value may be measured and compared to the target detection rate. The threshold value may be adjusted to minimize the difference between the measured detection rate and the target detection rate.