High-resolution electroencephalography and source localization in neonates.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroscience
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Electroencephalography (EEG) source localization is established in adults but faces challenges in neonates.
• Key difficulties include a lack of data on neonatal skull conductivity, thickness, and homogeneity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt EEG source localization for neonates.
• To evaluate the impact of technical difficulties, specifically skull properties, on localization accuracy.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a novel EEG headcap molded to individual neonates.
• Performed EEG source reconstruction using dipole fit algorithms on five neonates.
• Employed four distinct head models derived from individual MRI scans, varying skull conductivity and thickness, and including a modeled fontanel.

Main Results:

• Dipole locations showed consistency with MRI and clinical data.
• Skull conductivity significantly impacted dipole magnitude (average 29.7% decrease with higher conductivity) but not position or orientation.
• Skull thickness influenced magnitude but not position or orientation.
• A modeled fontanel had minimal impact on dipole location and magnitude.

Conclusions:

• EEG source localization is technically feasible in neonates.
• Skull conductivity and thickness are critical factors influencing source localization accuracy.
• Further development could enable EEG source localization for neonatal neurological assessment.