[Biophysical foundations of magnetoencephalograhy].
OBJECTIVE
It is sought to expose in a simple but rigorous way the physical, neurobiological and methodological foundations of the magnetoencephalography (MEG).


METHODS
We start from the basic properties of the classical electromagnetism, analyzing in detail the concepts of electric and magnetic fields, the Maxwell s equations and the multipolar development of potentials. All these tools are very important to know the peculiarities of the MEG studies. Later on, they are reviewed very briefly the different types of potentials generated by the neurons and their implication in the MEG. Lastly, some necessary technical characteristics will be commented for detection of the very weak neuromagnetic fields. It is shortly exposed the concept of tunnel effect, in one that detection systems used at the present time are based (SQUID).


CONCLUSIONS
MEG is a very promising recent technique that is used in epilepsy studies, evoked potentials and other functional pathologies. Its utility in clinic continues being even controversial. However, it is fundamental to know the mechanisms that justify their use in order to know better their benefits and limitations.
Pastor
J
J
Servicio de Neurofisiología, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, 28006, España. jpastor@hlpr.insalud.es
Sola
R G
RG
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D055592:Biophysical Phenomena; D001703:Biophysics; D004560:Electricity; D006801:Humans; D008280:Magnetics; D015225:Magnetoencephalography; D008433:Mathematics; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism