Boundary Element Fast Multipole Method for Enhanced Modeling of Neurophysiological Recordings

Objective: A new numerical modeling approach is proposed which provides forward-problem solutions for both noninvasive recordings (EEG/MEG) and higher-resolution intracranial recordings (iEEG). Methods: The algorithm is our recently developed boundary element fast multipole method or BEM-FMM. It is based on the integration of the boundary element formulation in terms of surface charge density and the fast multipole method originating from its inventors. The algorithm still possesses the major advantage of the conventional BEM - high speed - but is simultaneously capable of processing a very large number of surface-based unknowns. As a result, an unprecedented spatial resolution could be achieved, which enables multiscale modeling. Results: For non-invasive EEG/MEG, we are able to accurately solve the forward problem with approximately 1 mm anatomical resolution in the cortex within 1-2 min given several thousand cortical dipoles. Targeting high-resolution iEEG, we are able to compute, for the first time, an integrated electromagnetic response for an ensemble (2,450) of tightly packed realistic pyramidal neocortical neurons in a full-head model with 0.6 mm anatomical cortical resolution. The neuronal arbor is comprised of 5.9 M elementary 1.2 μm long dipoles. On a standard server, the computations require about 5 min. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the BEM-FMM approach may be well suited to support numerical multiscale modeling pertinent to modern high-resolution and submillimeter iEEG. Significance: Based on the speed and ease of implementation, this new algorithm represents a method that will greatly facilitate simulations at multi-scale across a variety of applications.