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Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

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Published on: September 20, 2024

Scalp EEG Signals: Generators and Dipoles.

Sándor Beniczky^1,2,3, Michael Scherg⁴

¹Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Danish Epilepsy Centre, Dianalund, Denmark.

Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology : Official Publication of the American Electroencephalographic Society

|June 3, 2026

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Interpreting electroencephalogram (EEG) signals requires understanding cortical current flow. Analyzing both positive and negative EEG signal polarities improves source localization and diagnostic accuracy.

Keywords:

Dipole EEG Epilepsy Generator Source analysis Source imaging

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Published on: June 30, 2014

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Biophysics
Medical Imaging

Background:

Scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) interpretation traditionally focuses on negative phase reversals.
This method oversimplifies the complex biophysical principles of cortical current generation.
EEG signals originate from extracellular currents of postsynaptic potentials in pyramidal neurons.

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight the importance of understanding dipole orientation in EEG signal generation.
To advocate for a topographic approach in EEG interpretation, considering both positive and negative poles.
To improve diagnostic accuracy by aligning EEG interpretation with neurophysiologic principles.

Main Methods:

Review of biophysical principles of EEG generation.
Analysis of scalp voltage topography influenced by dipole orientation (radial, tangential, oblique).
Discussion of electrode placement, montage selection, and digital filtering effects.
Validation using simultaneous MEG-EEG recordings.

Main Results:

Dipole orientation significantly influences scalp voltage distribution.
Both positive and negative scalp poles offer valuable insights into source localization.
Simultaneous MEG-EEG confirms the physiologic significance of scalp positivities.

Conclusions:

A comprehensive interpretation of EEG signals requires considering both positive and negative polarities.
Shifting from solely relying on negativity to a topographic approach enhances diagnostic accuracy.
This approach aligns EEG interpretation with a more complete understanding of neurophysiology.