BEM based solution of forward problem for brain source estimation

Abstract

The localization of active sources inside the brain is termed as brain source localization. However, when the neuroimaging technique is EEG, then it is specifically termed as EEG source localization. This problem is also referred to as EEG inverse problem. The source localization problem is defined by forward problem and inverse problem. For the forward problem, head modelling is carried out by using either analytical methods or by using numerical techniques such as finite element method (FEM), boundary element method (BEM) and finite difference method (FDM). This head modelling information is further used to localize the active regions by estimating the current density by using various inverse algorithms. This research discusses the usage of boundary element method (BEM) for the modelling of head and consequently generation of simulated data. The results have shown that by simulating dipole on the cortical surface, the simulated EEG data can be generated. Hence, after the generation of simulated data, the inverse techniques are applied for the localization of active sources. This information can be used for the estimation of active sources inside the brain during various physical activities and for localizing of brain parts for the diagnoses of various brain disorders.