Hierarchical Bayesian model for simultaneous EEG source and forward model reconstruction (SOFOMORE)

In this paper we propose an approach to handle forward model uncertainty for EEG source reconstruction. A stochastic forward model is motivated by the many uncertain contributions that form the forward propagation model including the tissue conductivity distribution, the cortical surface, and electrode positions. We first present a hierarchical Bayesian framework for EEG source localization that jointly performs source and forward model reconstruction (SOFO-MORE). Secondly, we evaluate the SOFOMORE model by comparison with source reconstruction methods that use fixed forward models. Simulated and real EEG data demonstrate that invoking a stochastic forward model leads to improved source estimates.