The electrophysiological basis of epileptiform magnetic fields in neocortex: spontaneous ictal phenomena

In a previous report (Barth, D.S. and Di, S., Brain Research, 530 (1990) 35-39), electrical measurements of epileptiform cellular currents produced by physiologically evoked interictal penicillin spikes in rat somatosensory cortex were directly compared to the extracranial magnetic fields these currents generate. The present study uses the same methodology to extend these observations to spontaneous interictal and ictal phenomena in rat auditory cortex, and provides a more realistic empirical foundation for physical models with which to interpret non-invasive neuromagnetic recordings of human focal seizures. These data indicate that seizure foci under 1 x 1 cm2 in cortical surface area are capable of producing magnetic fields that may be recorded at extracranial distances similar to those used in humans. Furthermore, physical models based on the dipole approximation appear to be appropriate for the interpretation of ictal magnetic field phenomena in neocortex.