A White Matter Cable Theoretic Model of EEG Biorhythms
Abstract
EEG has provided unparalleled and non-invasive access to the temporal dynamics of the brain for nearly 100 years. EEG measures voltage fluctuations at the scalp that reflect the instantaneous superposition of electric dipoles in the brain. Localizing the neural generators of EEG is ill-posed mathematically because numerous combinations of (hidden) dipoles could lead to a particular (observed) scalp measurement. Solving this problem is crucial for treating seizure disorders, building neuro-prosthetic devices, and laying the foundation for noninvasive brain computer interfaces (BCI). However, solutions to the EEG inverse problem classically restrict solutions to cortical gray matter in the brain. Our goal is to examine this long held fundament of EEG research by developing a novel computational model, and empirically testing this assumption by perturbing brain activity using a novel brain stimulation technique. Here, we developed a novel cable computational model that includes axonal cross-talk, or ephaptic coupling. This model suggests that spikes traveling along white matter tracts may be more entrained or synchronized than previously thought, thus providing the opportunity to summate and contribute to scalp EEG recordings. Our empirical work supports this model prediction via rare depth recordings in white matter tracts, and complementary brain stimulation evidence in humans. The preliminary analysis of these data is demonstrating very exciting results, confirming our model. With further empirical testing and model integration, this work will be poised to assess this long-held fundament of brain research, and move towards a functional and spectral density mapping of rhythms in the brain.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 31, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1230069
Entities
People
- Pamela Douglas
Organizations
- University of Central Florida