MEG-EEG Primer

Abstract This book provides newcomers and more experienced researchers with the very basics of magnetoencephalography (MEG) and electroencephalography (EEG)—two noninvasive methods that can inform about the neurodynamics of the human brain on a millisecond scale. These two closely related methods are addressed side by side, starting from their physical and physiological bases and then advancing to methods of data acquisition, analysis, visualization, and interpretation. Special attention is paid to careful experimentation, guiding the readers to differentiate brain signals from various biological and non-biological artifacts and to ascertain that the collected data are reliable. The strengths and weaknesses of MEG and EEG are presented relative to each other and to other available brain-imaging methods. Necessary instrumentation and laboratory set-ups, as well as potential pitfalls in data collection and analysis are discussed. Spontaneous brain rhythms and evoked responses to sensory and multisensory stimulation are covered and examined both in healthy individuals and in various brain disorders, such as epilepsy. MEG/EEG signals related to motor, cognitive, and social events are discussed as well. The integration of MEG and EEG information with other methods to assess human brain function is discussed with respect to the current state-of-the art in the field. The book ends with a look to future developments in equipment design, and experimentation, emphasizing the role of accurate temporal information for human brain function.