Topographic EEG analysis. Methods for graphic representation and clinical applications

Topographic EEG analysis includes different techniques to display the spatial distribution of brain electrical activity. The correct reconstruction of the scalp potentials and the consequent inference on cortical generators is influenced by many factors. In this study we focused our attention on the topographical representation of high resolution spectral EEG parameters, the choice of the interpolation algorithms for EEG mapping and the application of a spatial filtering method to scalp potential distribution. From our results there is evidence that different approaches are needed with relation to the EEG spatial features to be detected. The actual standard procedures seem not entirely adequate and the new methods proposed can improve significantly the visual reading of the EEG and its sensitivity.