Sensitivity of rheoencephalographic measurements to spatial brain electrical conductivity

Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2006:2006:6088-91. doi: 10.1109/IEMBS.2006.260788.

Abstract

Rheoencephalography (REG) is impedance plethysmography applied to the head, and provides an indirect measurement of the pulsatility of the cerebral blood volume. To extend REG as a clinical and research tool, it is necessary to evaluate the sensitivity of REG measurement to local brain conductivity changes. By means of the analytical solution of a four-sphere geometrical model of the head, maps of impedance sensitivity were assessed for different electrode arrangements. Results showed a selective distribution of sensitivities, with a preference for cortical areas under electrodes. This suggests a potential for application of REG to regional evaluation of cortical cerebral perfusion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brain / anatomy & histology*
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Brain Mapping
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Electric Impedance
  • Electrodes
  • Electroencephalography / instrumentation*
  • Electroencephalography / methods
  • Equipment Design
  • Head / pathology
  • Humans
  • Models, Statistical
  • Perfusion
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity