Current Source Analysis of Electroencephalography

Kwon, Oh Young

Abstract

The mathematical techniques to localize the current sources of the EEG signal have been developed. Now it is possible to find the 3 dimensional distributions of the sources in head models. As preceding requirements, an accurate model of the sources is imperative and the number of active current sources should be estimated. The accurate head models with knowledge of electrical conductivity are also necessary. If the realistic head models are more feasible for the current source localization, the tomogram of the current density is more useful as a functional image. Because the EEG data provide the temporal information, the functional image acquired from EEG data has an additional advantage compared to other functional image tools such as PET and fMRI. Thus the real time observation of functional networks in the brain is possible in the functional images acquired by the localization of current sources of EEG. In contrast to other functional imaging tools, in which the neuronal function is assumed indirectly by observing cerebral blood flow or metabolism, the direct neuronal activity can be measured through EEG source ocalization.