title: Overview of dipole source localization.
abstract: Truly accurate dipole source localization relies on having (1) reliable, artifact-free EP/ERP (or magnetoelectroencephalogram) data to start with; (2) landmark and electrode position data obtained with a three-dimensional digitizer; (3) MRI (or CT) data from the same subject (with a means to measure the same landmarks); (4) the capability to apply different dipole and volume conductor models; and (5) the ability to coregister the functional and anatomic data to display the final source solutions. Most important is to have a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of the localization programs and neurophysiologic processes. Localization programs are simply tools. Used incorrectly, they can yield meaningless results. Used correctly, they can provide a window into neurophysiologic functioning that is not available through any other means.
authors.affiliation: Compumedics/Neuroscan, Lutterothstrasse 28e, 20255, Hamburg, Germany. mfuchs@neuroscan.com
authors.forename: Manfred
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fuchs
authors.forename: Martin R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Ford
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sands
authors.forename: Henry L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Lew
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain; D005071:Evoked Potentials; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D015225:Magnetoencephalography; D008953:Models, Anatomic