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Published on: June 6, 2015
Computational representation of a realistic head and brain volume conductor model: electroencephalography simulation
1Institute of Neurosciences, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania. astakas@msn.com
Summary
Computational head models reveal that brain tissue distinctions significantly impact simulated scalp potentials. Simplifying models by removing brain details alters results more than changes to scalp or skull layers.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computational Modeling
Background:
- Computational head and brain volume conductor modeling offers a non-invasive approach to studying brain activity.
- The accuracy of these models depends on the anatomical structures included, which influence electrical current flow and scalp potentials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of different head tissues on scalp surface potentials using detailed computational models.
- To assess the impact of varying model complexity on the simulation of neuroelectrical activity.
Main Methods:
- Constructed five realistic head models from Visible Human Man data, ranging from 20 distinct tissues to simplified models with homogeneous scalp, skull, or brain.
- Computed scalp potentials using dipolar sources in the parietal-occipital lobe for all five models.
Main Results:
- Simulated scalp surface potentials are directly affected by the tissues included in the model and the location of the dipole source.
- Removing distinctions within the brain tissue resulted in significant changes to scalp surface potentials.
- Modifications to scalp and skull layers had a lesser impact compared to changes in brain representation.
Conclusions:
- Detailed anatomical representation, particularly of brain structures, is crucial for accurate computational head modeling.
- Model simplification can lead to substantial alterations in simulated neuroelectrical activity, emphasizing the importance of accurate brain tissue modeling.
