Improved Detection of Deep Sources with Weighted Multielectrode EEG Leads

The purpose of the present study is to conduct preliminary experimental measurements to validate the improvement in the detection of deep EEG sources achieved with new multielectrode EEG leads. As a measurement we had brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs), which include deep generators in the brainstem and midbrain. The BAEPs were measured with a 124-channel EEG cap. We have previously developed a multielectrode lead technique, which has its basis in optimization of the sensitivity distribution of a multielectrode lead for detecting signals generated by deep sources. The purpose of the present study is to validate with experimental measurements the results previously obtained with theoretical approach and simulations. The results show that the amplitude SNR of BAEPs obtained with multielectrode lead is on average 1.6 times that of traditional bipolar BAEP lead. Though improvement obtained in experimental measurements is smaller than was theoretically approximated it encourages for further development of the multielectrode leads.