title: Dipole theory and electroencephalography.
abstract: Dipole theory has become a centerpiece of modern discussions regarding the nature of EEG phenomena. Along with dipole theory, the role of volume conduction and, in particular, the inverse problem have gained a powerful position in the modern approach to EEG. An attempt is being made to explore the origins of these concepts. Their advent and rise to a dominant position has been the expression of a new wave of biophysical approaches to EEG. These new trends started in the 1970's and have gradually overshadowed the classical neurophysiological-neurobiological approach. Electrogenesis in cerebral structures and propagation of EEG signals along pathways characterize the "old" EEG theory. It is being pointed out that dipole theory is indeed theory; it is based on spherical models of homogeneous fluid. Attempted adjustments to the brain and its anatomy have been made. Microdipoles at the neuronal level (an essential part of electrogenesis) are plausible; major problems exist as far as macrodipoles are concerned. Differences between the dipole theory in EEG and MEG are discussed. The modern search for the source of a given EEG potential (inverse problem) depends on dipole theory and may be quite misleading. Spread by volume conduction is likely to be vastly exaggerated. A plea is made for mutual understanding and tolerance.
authors.affiliation: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland 21287-7247, USA.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Niedermeyer
mesh_terms: D055592:Biophysical Phenomena; D001703:Biophysics; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D004569:Electroencephalography; D006801:Humans; D015225:Magnetoencephalography; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*