Magnetic study of the spontaneous brain activity of normal subjects

Summary An investigation of the spontaneous brain activity from normal subjects has been carried out by means of the neuromagnetic method. Two different systems were used for magnetic measurements. Both used 2nd-order gradiometers specifically designed for brain studies: 2.9 cm diameter, 5 cm baseline. A r.f. SQUID and a d.c. SQUID were coupled to the gradiometers. The measured noise levels are and , respectively. Thorough magnetic mapping of the spontaneous activity was performed on a few subjects. By mapping the average amplitude of the α-rhythm signals two maxima of activity over two symmetric regions of the scalp were clearly observed. Despite a general symmetry between hemispheres, however, the complexity of the measured maps suggests a corresponding complexity of the generators responsible for α-activity. Partially supported by Progetto Finalizzato Superconduttività