title: Evaluation of multiple-sphere head models for MEG source localization.
abstract: Magnetoencephalography (MEG) source analysis has largely relied on spherical conductor models of the head to simplify forward calculations of the brain's magnetic field. Multiple- (or overlapping, local) sphere models, where an optimal sphere is selected for each sensor, are considered an improvement over single-sphere models and are computationally simpler than realistic models. However, there is limited information available regarding the different methods used to generate these models and their relative accuracy. We describe a variety of single- and multiple-sphere fitting approaches, including a novel method that attempts to minimize the field error. An accurate boundary element method simulation was used to evaluate the relative field measurement error (12% on average) and dipole fit localization bias (3.5 mm) of each model over the entire brain. All spherical models can contribute in the order of 1 cm to the localization bias in regions of the head that depart significantly from a sphere (inferior frontal and temporal). These spherical approximation errors can give rise to larger localization differences when all modeling effects are taken into account and with more complex source configurations or other inverse techniques, as shown with a beamformer example. Results differed noticeably depending on the source location, making it difficult to recommend a fitting method that performs best in general. Given these limitations, it may be advisable to expand the use of realistic head models.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave., Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada.|Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave., Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lalancette
authors.affiliation: Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Quraan
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave., Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada.|Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave., Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada.|Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cheyne
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods; D006257:Head / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D060526:Magnetic Fields; D015225:Magnetoencephalography / Q000379:methods*; D008959:Models, Neurological; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted